Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles is currently at Sheffield Wednesday
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles is currently at Sheffield Wednesday
thumbnail: Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles
Graham Luney
thumbnail: Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles is currently at Sheffield Wednesday
thumbnail: Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles is currently at Sheffield Wednesday
Premier League side Aston Villa are among several clubs considering a move for Northern Ireland’s teenage goalkeeper Pierce Charles.
The 19-year-old Sheffield Wednesday stopper has seen his reputation greatly enhanced by an impressive introduction at senior international level.
Michael O’Neill handed him his senior debut against Belarus in October and he has since gone on to feature in the next three Nations League games.
While impressing for the Owls in Carabao Cup appearances, the Hillsborough favourite’s international progress has alerted more clubs.
The teenager’s ability to play out from the back helped him secure selection ahead of Bailey Peacock-Farrell for O’Neill’s side.
The younger brother of midfielder Shea — who is currently on loan at Wednesday from Southampton — was playing for Northern Ireland’s Under-19s in the summer but is now a fully-fledged senior international.
Wednesday recognise Charles’ significant potential but it’s likely they will have to fight off interest in the stopper.
It’s unclear whether Unai Emery’s side will make a move next month but they are keeping tabs on Charles and consider him a potential long-term successor to Argentinian Emiliano Martinez.
Several clubs in the Football League are also interested in landing his services on loan when the transfer window swings open for business in January.
Charles is currently the Owls’ back-up choice, due to the presence of fellow shot-stopper James Beadle, who is on loan from Brighton once more following a successful stint at Wednesday during the latter half of last campaign.
He signed a contract extension in May, but an opportunity for the former Manchester City youth player to secure more game time somewhere else may arise and it is one he could well take.