Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has full faith midfield duo Shea Charles and Ethan Galbraith “can play at a higher level” after showcasing their ability against a star-studded Italy squad during Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final defeat.
The Italian midfield trio selected by Gennaro Gattuso all play top-flight football – Sandro Tonali, who scored the crucial opening goal in Bergamo, has developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best in his position at Newcastle United.
His partners Manuel Locatelli and Nicolo Barella represent some of the most famous clubs in world football in Juventus and Inter – the latter has also played in two Champions League finals, including last season.
In stark contrast, Charles and Galbraith both ply their trade in the English Championship with Southampton and Swansea City, but once again showed an ability to step up in the biggest game of their careers to date.
Northern Ireland's Shea Charles takes on Italy's Sandro Tonali. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Northern Ireland's Shea Charles takes on Italy's Sandro Tonali. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP via Getty Images)
Charles came through the youth ranks at Manchester City while Galbraith was on the books of Manchester United as a youngster, making one senior appearance in the Europa League.
The pair have had to drop down the English pyramid in order to establish themselves as senior club stars – the Saints paid £10.5m to secure Charles’ services and Galbraith was playing in League One at Leyton Orient only last season.
It’s possible both could be playing in the Premier League next term – Southampton are in the promotion hunt and Galbraith has reportedly attracted attention from top-flight teams following a strong of impressive performances in Wales.
That would only further boost Northern Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for future major tournaments and O’Neill has no doubt that the young duo have what it takes to step up at club level.
"I thought the two midfield players were outstanding,” said O’Neill. “They're playing against Tonali, who is, for me, as good a midfield player as there is in the English Premier League.
"Locatelli plays for Juventus, Barella is from Inter – our two lads play for Swansea and Southampton in the Championship.
"I believe both can play at a higher level, I think they showed that tonight. They’re both young players whose careers are going in the right direction.
"I thought they dealt with a very experienced Italian midfield tonight and I thought they handled the situation extremely well.”
One of four Northern Ireland internationals currently playing in the Premier League is Sunderland’s Trai Hume, who was named captain at the New Balance Arena.
In the absence of talisman Conor Bradley and his club team-mate Dan Ballard, Hume’s experience became even more crucial.
The former Linfield defender is still aged only 24, but with eight of the starting line-up 22 or under, Hume has quickly developed into a senior figure in Northern Ireland’s changing room.
Hume has now captained his country on six occasions and O’Neill praised his leadership qualities.
"I could name every player,” added O’Neill. “Young Terry Devlin, Brodie Spencer, Trai showed real leadership tonight.
"He was a true captain tonight. You can tell the benefit he has from playing in the Premier League now, he believes he's at this level.
"He's not intimidated by playing at this level and gave a real captain's performance tonight.”