Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has named a youthful 28-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, featuring three teenagers among the selected players. The squad includes Arsenal forward Ceadach O’Neill, 18, who earned his first two international appearances as a substitute against Guinea and France in June. Also included are winger Kieran Morrison, 19, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday from Liverpool, who made his senior debut against Guinea, and Everton striker Braiden Graham, 18, who has yet to make his international debut.

The squad sees the return of Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, who missed the summer friendlies due to injury. Goalkeepers Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Conor Hazard are recalled, alongside midfielders Terry Devlin, Jordan Thompson, and defender Michael Forbes. Defender Eoin Toal also returns to the lineup. Liverpool’s Conor Bradley remains sidelined with a long-term injury and is unavailable for selection.

Northern Ireland, recently promoted to UEFA Nations League League B, face a congested schedule with four matches in 11 days. Their campaign begins with an away match against Georgia on Friday week, followed by a home fixture against Hungary. They will then meet Ukraine in Slovakia before concluding the series at home against Georgia.

The inclusion of young players reflects O’Neill’s strategy to blend emerging talents with experienced squad members as Northern Ireland seeks to establish itself at a higher level in the Nations League competition.