Michael O'Neill Confirms Full Squad Availability for Upcoming Friendlies
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has reported that his entire squad is in good health as they commence preparations for their friendly international matches. The team is set to face Guinea on Thursday in the Cadiz region of Spain at 17:00 BST.
Following this, Northern Ireland will play against World Cup-bound France in a friendly match near Lille on Monday, 8 June, with kick-off scheduled for 20:10 BST.
O'Neill confirmed on Monday that all 23 players selected for the double-header have arrived at the camp ahead of these fixtures.
Match Venues and Squad Details
The first friendly against Guinea will take place at Estadio Ciudad de La Linea. The subsequent match against France is scheduled for the Decathlon Arena - Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The squad named for these matches includes two uncapped teenagers, Braiden Graham and Ceadach O'Neill, signaling a blend of experience and youth in the team.
However, O'Neill must manage without several players due to various reasons. Those unavailable include Dan Ballard, Paddy McNair, Terry Devlin, Eoin Toal, George Saviile, and Brad Lyons.
Preparation for Nations League Campaign
These friendly matches serve as preparation for Northern Ireland's Nations League campaign, which is scheduled to begin in September.
"We've had all the players arrive into camp fit and well, which is exactly what you want ahead of an important international window,"
said O'Neill, who recently signed a contract extension keeping him as manager until 2032.
"The mood within the squad is already very positive, and there's a real sense of optimism as we prepare for the games against Guinea and France.
The players are looking forward to getting back on the pitch together and testing themselves in two different but valuable fixtures. Our focus now is on making the most of the training time we have and ensuring we're ready to perform well in both matches."
Complete Squad List
Goalkeepers: Pierce Charles (Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Clarke (Partick Thistle), Luke Southwood (Bristol Rovers).
Defenders: Ciaron Brown and 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).
Forwards: Josh Magennis (Exeter City), Callum Marshall (West Ham United), Jamie Reid (Stevenage), Jamie Donley (Tottenham Hotspur), Braiden Graham (Everton), Ceadach O'Neill (Arsenal).
