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Northern Ireland Give Arsenal Teen Senior Debut in 1-0 Win Over Guinea

Manager Michael O'Neill said the friendly was used to test academy players and inform selection for upcoming matches.

Overview

  • Northern Ireland beat Guinea 1-0 in Spain with a largely youth-based lineup that the manager used to assess young players.
  • Arsenal 18-year-old Ceadach O'Neill made his senior international debut off the bench despite not yet playing for Arsenal's first team.
  • Liverpool winger Kieran Morrison started on his debut and played the first half as part of the youth integration plan.
  • Tom Atcheson scored the only goal early in the match and was later sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, and Luke Southwood produced a late stop to preserve the win.
  • O'Neill praised the youngsters' composure and physical readiness and said their performances will help shape selections for the scheduled friendly with France.