Northern Ireland's Squad Ready for Guinea and France Friendlies, Says O'Neill
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill announced a clean bill of health for his squad as they prepare for a friendly international against Guinea on Thursday in Cadiz, Spain at 17:00 BST. This match marks the beginning of a busy schedule as they also face World Cup-bound France on Monday, June 8, at 20:10 BST in Lille. O'Neill confirmed that all 23 members of his squad arrived fit and ready for the upcoming challenges. The match against Guinea will take place at Estadio Ciudad de La Linea, while the clash with France is set for the Decathlon Arena. The squad includes two uncapped teenagers, Braiden Graham and Ceadach O'Neill, but will miss several players such as Dan Ballard, Paddy McNair, and Terry Devlin due to various reasons. O'Neill expressed his satisfaction with the squad's condition, stating, "We've had all the players arrive into camp fit and well, which is exactly what you want ahead of an important international window." He noted a positive mood among the players, emphasizing their eagerness to perform in these crucial fixtures. As part of their preparation for the Nations League campaign starting in September, the team is focused on maximizing their training time. The full squad includes: Goalkeepers: Pierce Charles (Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Clarke (Partick Thistle), Luke Southwood (Bristol Rovers) Defenders: Ciaron Brown, Brodie Spencer (both Oxford United), Trai Hume (Sunderland), Ruairi McConville (Norwich City), Tom Atcheson (Blackburn Rovers) Midfielders: Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Shea Charles (Southampton), Isaac Price (West Bromwich Albion), Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers), Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City), Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace), Jamie McDonnell (Oxford United), Patrick Kelly (Barnsley), Kieran Morrison (Liverpool). With optimism in the air, Northern Ireland looks forward to testing themselves against both Guinea and France.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-01