#northern-ireland-football

#northern-ireland-football

Delighted for Christopher that this has finally went through. Thanks to all the people at the FAI for their help and support during this process. With Atherton used as the 'poster boy' for the Euro 2028 campaign, this announcement could be considered a big blow for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland will face hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B of the World Cup if they come through March's tricky play-off. Michael O'Neill's side finished third in their qualifying group behind Germany and Slovakia, but still booked a play-off spot thanks to their Nations League finish in 2024. Northern Ireland face a difficult play-off semi-final in Italy, who have not played at the World Cup since 2014, on 26 March in Path A.

Also included despite fitness concerns is Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles. Charles, 20, has been O'Neill's preferred choice in goal since last year's Nations League campaign but he injured his shoulder during Sheffield Wednesday's Championship defeat by Stoke City on Saturday with the Owls confirming on Thursday that he "faces a spell on the sidelines". With his usual international understudy, Plymouth Argyle's Conor Hazard, yet to play this season because of an injury sustained against Denmark in June, O'Neill has recalled Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Abbie came in and she was seamless in relation to training intensity, being in and around the group and the maturity that she showed.