Michael O’Neill will make his homecoming on Sunday night when he takes charge of his first Northern Ireland home game since returning to the job in December.
Finland will represent a much tougher challenge than San Marino as O’Neill’s side look to build on Thursday’s 2-0 victory and make a perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying.
Here the PA news agency looks at the main talking points ahead of the match.
Windsor nights
Home comforts
Standards
Strike partners
? Think we’ve got a new song here! DION’S on fire ?#GAWA pic.twitter.com/bFivNZgXeO
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) March 23, 2023
Northern Ireland have long struggled to score, having been looking for a reliable threat in front of goal since Kyle Lafferty’s goals dried up soon after Euro 2016. Dion Charles announced his candidacy as he got off the mark with two goals in San Marino, and he formed an encouraging partnership with Conor Washington. “It takes time,” O’Neill said of the alliance. “They’re both players who carry a threat in behind, work hard and press together. If you play a front two you need that. With this system we’re playing the front two are essential to how the team functions.”
Youthful exuberance
How good was Shea Charles last night!? ?? #GAWA pic.twitter.com/EvRJyWuamL
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) March 24, 2023
Aside from Dion Charles, the most encouraging displays in San Marino came from two teenagers in Conor Bradley and Shea Charles. O’Neill now has a decision to make on whether the pair are ready to go again. Dropping them would seem harsh, but are they ready for a second start in the space of a few days against much more experienced opposition? The more defensive-minded Trai Hume could make a case to replace Bradley on club form, while Jordan Thompson offers an experienced alternative to Shea Charles.
