Northern Ireland manager, Michael O’Neill, has expressed his worries about Paddy McNair’s lack of playing time at West Brom ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches against Belarus and Bulgaria.
McNair, who scored in Northern Ireland’s recent 2-0 victory over Luxembourg, joined West Brom on loan from Major League Soccer club San Diego. However, his only appearance for the team so far was in the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood in August. The defender has not even been included in the matchday squad for West Brom’s last four Championship fixtures, posing a concern for O’Neill.
With experienced players like Steven Davis, Jonny Evans, and Stuart Dallas no longer in the squad, McNair’s role has become even more crucial. O’Neill highlighted the importance of players getting game time to maintain their form and expressed his hopes of McNair getting more opportunities to play.
O’Neill’s 25-man squad for the upcoming matches shows only two changes from the previous month, with Jamie Reid returning from a leg injury to replace the sidelined Shayne Lavery. The manager praised Reid’s physicality and mobility, emphasizing the need for experienced players to guide the young squad’s development.
Unfortunately, Lavery, who has been struggling with hamstring injuries, might miss not only the upcoming games but also the final Nations League fixtures in November. O’Neill expressed his frustration for Lavery’s ongoing injury struggles but remains hopeful for his recovery.
On a more positive note, Ronan Hale of Ross County could offer a new striking option for Northern Ireland by November. The 26-year-old, who has scored six goals in 10 appearances since joining Ross County, is awaiting FIFA clearance to switch his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland. O’Neill expressed his interest in including Hale in the squad once the paperwork is finalized.
As the team prepares to face Belarus and Bulgaria in the Nations League, O’Neill is keeping a close eye on the squad’s fitness and form, hoping to overcome challenges and secure positive results in the upcoming matches.