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While there was some short-term pain in 2023, Northern Ireland and manager O’Neill saw the benefits of introducing players to senior international football at a young age.
These youngsters have matured into seasoned international cricketers and the next generation is starting to get their chance.
Arsenal teenager Sidach O’Neill was handed his debut off the bench in the second half, and Everton’s 18-year-old Brayden Graham missed the start for Spain, but it is only a matter of time before he earns a senior cap.
Goalkeeper Piers Charles – just 20 and linked with a move away from Sheffield Wednesday – has got another 45 minutes under his belt and, like many of his team-mates, is wise beyond his years.
“It’s really good, I feel like one of the old ones now, which is a bit crazy,” said Southampton midfielder Charles, Pearce’s older brother, who at 22 has 35 caps.
“It’s a really good team and it’s been going for a couple of years now.
“It’s really important to get the youngsters into the team well and playing games will only help that.”
Charles praised Acheson despite his red card, saying he would “bounce back” from his dismissal.
Justin Deveney, fresh from Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League success, agreed with Charles and said there was “some real quality coming through”.
“They’ve been fantastic in training all week and they absolutely deserve their chance,” added the 22-year-old.
“You can see their quality on the pitch, they’ve got used to the system but they’ve fitted in brilliantly.
“There’s more to come because there’s some real quality.”
