Northern Ireland captain detail four key elements behind rapid rise under Michael O'Neill

Northern Ireland need just a point against Luxembourg to top their Nations League group and they have won six and drawn two of their last 10 games

Shea Charles claims he is not surprised by Northern Ireland’s rapid development over the last 12 months because he always knew how good their young side are.

The Irish need just a point against Luxembourg on Monday to finish top of Nations League Group C3 and crown an impressive autumn for Michael O’Neill’s kids. O’Neill, whose side had an average age of just over 23 years and two months in Friday’s win over Belarus, had to fast-track his youngsters when stalwarts Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and Jonny Evans retired.

Charles, 21, who will captain the Irish for the second time in the Stade de Luxembourg, came through the ranks with the likes of Conor Bradley and Trai Hume and could see how talented they are.

“I’ll be honest, I’m not too surprised because I’ve played with some of these players since I was 15, 16,” said the Southampton midfielder, who is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. “I think it’s not too surprising. It might be to some people outside, but I’ve always known how good some of the players are in this team. We’re all playing at our clubs now and that’s really important. We’re all coming into camp with a lot of confidence. We all trust each other. We’re a very tight group, which is always very important, and I feel like that shows on the pitch.”

O’Neill’s side have won six and drawn two of their last 10 games and conceded just once in their five Nations League games.

Their fans are excited about the start of the World Cup qualifiers next year and Charles can understand their positivity.

“It was always going to take time with a really young team, but now we’ve gelled and we’ve managed to get goals and keep clean sheets, which are really important,” he said.

“It’s hard to say what we can achieve, but hopefully we can carry on winning games going into next year and hopefully continue our form in the World Cup qualifiers.”

Brighton defender Ruairi McConville could make his full debut tonight because Ciaron Brown is suspended after getting his first taste of action as a substitute against Belarus. McConville, 19, only received his first senior call-up for this squad because of injuries to Paddy McNair and Eoin Toal.

The centre-half, who has yet to make a senior appearance for Brighton, is struggling to take everything in and beamed: “It’s amazing. No-one can wipe the smile off my face at making my debut. There are opportunities all the time. I’ll train well for Luxembourg and we’re all focused on the game on Monday.

“The lads got their chance, like me, and they’re doing well to keep their place in the squad. That’s what I want to do and I’m learning off them. They’re so young, but so experienced already.”

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