Michael O'Neill's selection options provide perfect motivation for Under-19 star

Michael O'Neill giving youth a chance is proving to be a great source of inspiration for Northern Ireland's next crop of young stars. The likes of Conor Bradley, Brodie Spencer, Dale Taylor and Callum Marshall have all become regulars in the senior set-up under O'Neill.

For Under-19 squad member Joel Thompson their progress is the perfect motivation as he looks to the future. The next step for the Nottingham Forest midfielder is next month's U19 European Championships which is the perfect platform for Gareth McAuley's young stars to show their quality.

"Michael [O'Neill] is going to give you opportunities, that's the way he is as a manager," said Thompson. "He's proven that with all the players he's brought in.

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"The likes of Callum is in the senior squad all the time now. He's getting those opportunities along with Brodie, Dale etc. The ones in the U21s are just waiting for their chance now.

"You would think there is a big drop off but there isn't, they are sitting ready for their chance. I'm pretty sure they'll take it once they get it. Knowing you have a manager who will give you opportunities gives you great encouragement.”

Thompson made the switch from Crusaders to the City Ground two years ago. The 19-year-old feels there are plenty of talented players in the Irish League who can continue to climb the ladder.

"Yeah definitely,” said Thompson when asked if he could see more players on the move. “The talent coming through Northern Ireland now could be the best generational talent there's been.

"You look at the likes of Conor [Bradley] who came in for Trent Alexander-Arnold last season and never looked out of place. Dale [Taylor] scored with his first touch at Wembley, Brodie [Spencer] is a right back playing left back in the Scottish Premiership.

"With the full-time set-up in the ClubNI/JD Academy it's only going to help develop more players because that sets you up for full-time football. They're doing what we're doing every day in England, to have that on your doorstep you're only going to develop as you're getting the best facilities and coaches. There will be lots more players who make it across the water."

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