Arsenal forward Ceadach O’Neill heads into Northern Ireland’s meeting with Hungary tonight after making his competitive senior international debut against Georgia.
The 18-year-old came off the bench during Friday’s 1-0 Nations League victory in Tbilisi and quickly contributed to an attacking opportunity.
According to the Irish FA’s official match report, O’Neill found Justin Devenny shortly after coming on. Devenny then supplied Shea Charles, whose effort went wide.
Charles eventually struck the winner in the ninth minute of added time.
Ceadach O’Neill builds Northern Ireland experience
O’Neill had previously earned two senior caps as a substitute in June’s friendlies against Guinea and France, as confirmed in the Irish FA’s squad announcement.
Friday therefore marked a different stage in his development: involvement in a competitive senior fixture.
His international progress follows a summer in which he also gained opportunities around Arsenal’s first team.
O’Neill scored in the 3-0 friendly victory over MK Dons before joining the senior squad’s preparations in Spain.
Northern Ireland now host Hungary in Belfast at 7.45pm BST, with O’Neill seeking another opportunity to add to that experience.
His appearance against Georgia does not guarantee a larger role tonight. However, being introduced with the match still goalless gave him experience of a competitive international at a decisive stage.
For Arsenal supporters tracking his progress, tonight’s team selection offers the next indication of how Michael O’Neill intends to use him.
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