O’Neill Seeks to Develop Squad Depth Ahead of Crucial Qualifying Matches

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has expressed his desire to address the striking issues within his squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, O’Neill revealed that he is still searching for a striker to emerge and claim the starting role, despite having several talented forwards in his squad.

The Northern Ireland team is set to take on Iceland in a friendly match on Tuesday, their last game before the start of the World Cup qualifiers in September. O’Neill believes that this fixture will provide an opportunity for his team to work on their attacking play, which was evident in their 2-1 defeat by Denmark last Saturday.

“We’re still looking for maybe that striker to put their hand up and say, ‘I’m the player that should be starting,’” O’Neill said. “The lads we have in those positions are all playing at a similar level, sort of League One level in England and SPL level in Scotland. They’ve all scored goals this season, a lot of them have got to double figures but the jump up to play against top international defenders is a big jump so that’s probably one of the positions we maybe need to nail down.”

O’Neill’s comments come as his team prepares to face Iceland, who have been on a high after beating Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park on Friday. The Northern Ireland manager believes that this fixture will provide a more evenly matched game, with Iceland’s new coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson looking to build on his team’s impressive result.

“We know we need to improve when we have the ball, so this is an opportunity for us to do that,” O’Neill said. “I think in terms of possession it will be a more evenly matched game. Iceland have some very good players who play at a good level across Europe, so we’ll need to be at our best to get a positive result.”

The friendly match against Iceland will be a crucial test for O’Neill’s team, as they look to develop their squad depth ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. With several fringe players set to feature, O’Neill is eager to strike a balance between giving his strongest team a chance to win and providing exposure for those who need it.

“Rarely do you get your strongest team on the pitch so it’s important to utilise the squad,” O’Neill said. “We still have players that need to make that step up, they’ve been good when they’ve come in, but they haven’t had the exposure minutes wise we could have given them, but we also have to develop the team we have.”

O’Neill has also confirmed that goalkeeper Stephen McMullan will replace the injured Conor Hazard ahead of the Iceland game. McMullan, who is on loan at Waterford from Fleetwood Town, will be looking to make a positive impression and stake his claim for a regular spot in the team.

The friendly match against Iceland will be a vital opportunity for the Northern Ireland team to address their shortcomings in attack and develop their squad depth ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. With a strong team and a determined manager, O’Neill’s side will be looking to make a positive statement and set themselves up for success in the qualifying campaign.

Key Facts:

The Northern Ireland team will face Iceland in a friendly match on Tuesday, their last game before the start of the World Cup qualifiers in September.

O’Neill is still searching for a striker to emerge and claim the starting role.

The friendly match will provide an opportunity for the Northern Ireland team to work on their attacking play and develop their squad depth.

Goalkeeper Stephen McMullan will replace the injured Conor Hazard ahead of the Iceland game.

The Northern Ireland team will face Luxembourg and Germany in their first two World Cup qualifying matches in September.