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O'Neill Extends Deal, Picks Youth Squad Over Veterans

5/28/2026

Summary

O'Neill Extends

Michael O'Neill signed a four-year extension, staying as Northern Ireland manager through 2032.
He named Arsenal’s Ceadach O’Neill, Everton’s Braiden Graham, Callum Marshall (Bochum loan) and Justin Devenny for June 4 Guinea and June 8 France games, while veterans Paddy McNair, George Saville and Dion Charles were omitted due to injuries and a youth-focused policy.
O'Neill said Conor Bradley is progressing after a knee injury and O'Neill turned down a full-time Blackburn role.

Summary

Graham Scores

Braiden Graham scored the only goal, giving Northern Ireland a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying round Group 13.
The match was held at the Centenary Stadium in Ta Qali, Malta on 15 November 2025.
Domenic Aquilina photographed Graham’s celebration for NurPhoto, which Getty Images distributed.
The article included a congratulatory note, “A huge congrats to Braiden Graham!”, alongside other Everton-related news.

History

Historical Context

After a 30-year absence from major finals—its last World Cup appearance in 1986—Northern Ireland qualified for Euro 2016 under Michael O’Neill, who took charge in February 2012 and led the side to the round of 16. Building on that breakthrough, the association has extended O’Neill’s contract to 2032, emphasizing the youth-focused approach that powered the 2016 run.

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O'Neill Extends

Michael O'Neill signed a four-year extension, staying as Northern Ireland manager through 2032.
He named Arsenal’s Ceadach O’Neill, Everton’s Braiden Graham, Callum Marshall (Bochum loan) and Justin Devenny for June 4 Guinea and June 8 France games, while veterans Paddy McNair, George Saville and Dion Charles were omitted due to injuries and a youth-focused policy.
O'Neill said Conor Bradley is progressing after a knee injury and O'Neill turned down a full-time Blackburn role.

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