Northern Ireland: Josh Magennis at Euro 2016, ambitions and hopes for the future

Magennis said it was important to help the likes of the teenage trio who are not playing senior football for their clubs and step up on the international stage.

“It’s a different kind of game for them but it’s just about contacting them and helping them get to bed as quickly as possible because there’s no doubt they’re an incredible talent.

“If all goes well, God-willing, they could be the talent of the generation for Northern Ireland.”

It also outlasts attackers.

Against Guinea, Northern Ireland named their youngest team since the end of World War II at 22.1 years of age.

“If you’re good enough, it doesn’t matter how old you are, so Michael will always give you that opportunity.

“They are absolutely loving it, they are full of enthusiasm and hopefully they will have a long time in this Northern Ireland squad.”

As he chases 100 caps, Magennis admits he doesn’t know if he will reach the century but “it gives me reason to keep going”.

“I’ve said for ages now that I’ve been lucky enough that for as long as I’ve played football, I’ve always chosen my places to go club-wise so that I can always represent my country and that’s stood me in good stead to this day.

“I’ve always had the same enthusiasm at every camp as my first.

“I don’t take it for granted, because we saw with ‘Davo’ (Steven Davis), Stewart Dallas and Chris Brunt, your career can be taken away from you in an instant.

“So as long as I’m here and involved with the camp, I thoroughly enjoy it.”