Northern Ireland keep teenage duo for Nations League quadruple-header

Michael O'Neill has kept Arsenal youngster Ceadach O'Neill and Everton striker Braiden Graham in Northern Ireland's squad for a frantic four-game Nations League run.

The 28-man group will play four times in 11 days as Northern Ireland step up to League B for the first time. It is a big step up. The Nations League, UEFA's tournament that groups national teams by level, will test O'Neill's young side quickly.

Northern Ireland start away to Georgia on 25 September. They then face Hungary in Belfast and Ukraine in Slovakia before finishing at home to Georgia on 5 October, according to BBC Sport.

O'Neill has gone bigger this time. He used 23 players for the June friendlies against Guinea and France. He has named 28 for this window, with extra cover for four matches packed so tight.

The teenage pair have earned their places. O'Neill and Graham were first called up for those June friendlies. O'Neill, 18, played in both games and has now kept his spot for competitive football.

Experience is coming back around them. Defenders Dan Ballard, Paddy McNair, Terry Devlin and Eoin Toal all return after missing the summer games. Goalkeepers Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Conor Hazard are back too, along with striker Dion Charles.

There is also a fresh chance for Michael Forbes. The Dundee United defender is included, with his only previous cap coming against Finland in 2023. Goalkeepers Luke Southwood and Josh Clarke plus striker Jamie Reid are on standby.

There are notable absences. Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley is still out after knee surgery and has not played since January. Preston midfielder Ali McCann and Aberdeen's Brad Lyons are also missing from the squad.

The context is new territory. Northern Ireland won promotion from Group C last time around and will now play in Group B for the first time, as confirmed by the Irish FA.

What makes this stand out is the balance. O'Neill is backing youth in competitive games, not just friendlies, while bringing back proven players to steady the side. For fans, this means a quick read on where the team stands.

Four games will tell them plenty. Georgia twice, Hungary at home and Ukraine on neutral ground is a demanding start at a higher level.