Northern Ireland’s end-of-season tour of Central America concludes with a friendly against Costa Rica on Sunday.
Having drawn 0-0 with Panama in humid conditions on Tuesday, Michael O’Neill’s side now meet another team bound for the World Cup in Russia later this month.
Here Press Association Sport looks at some of the talking points.
Will Jonny Evans be deployed in midfield again?
Will this be Aaron Hughes’ last hurrah?
Can Paddy McNair prove his Premier League credentials?
? Another hot day at training #GAWA pic.twitter.com/89LAn30f9O
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 1, 2018
The Northern Ireland player seemingly attracting the most attention in the early stages of the summer transfer window is Sunderland midfielder McNair. Still just 23, McNair was playing in the Premier League two years ago and his international boss is among those who thinks he is worthy of that level. Following their relegation to League One Sunderland have reportedly rejected bids from Brighton for McNair and Sunday’s game represents another opportunity for the central midfielder to impress suitors and possibly land a big move in the coming days or weeks.
Will Gavin Whyte become the latest Northern Ireland debutant?
Brilliant to see @GavinWhyte23 get the call up to the @NorthernIreland squad for the trip to Costa Rica & Panama. Fully deserved
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) May 16, 2018
Five players travelled to Panama without a first international cap and three of them – Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Lavery and Jordan Thompson – received senior honours in the Estadio Rommel Fernandez. Young Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard and Crusaders midfielder Gavin Whyte are the other two waiting for a senior bow, and an appearance for the latter may aid his quest to move into full-time football across the water. There is plenty of interest back home in Whyte given he plays his club football in Northern Ireland, with even former two-weight world champion boxer Carl Frampton monitoring his progress.
