NI's O'Neill ruled out of Nations League matches

What the report says

Arsenal forward Ceadach O'Neill has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad ahead of their final two Nations League matches, against Ukraine in Belfast and Hungary in Budapest, because of injury, BBC Sport reports. The 18-year-old had recently begun breaking into senior football, making his first senior appearance for Arsenal and collecting four international caps after debuting for Northern Ireland against Guinea in June.

O'Neill is one of several players unavailable for manager Michael O'Neill’s side, with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell also ruled out through injury. Liverpool defender Conor Bradley remains a long-term absentee. Despite those setbacks, Northern Ireland go into the double-header unbeaten at the top of their League B2 group with eight points from four matches.

The matches are set for Windsor Park on Saturday, 14 November, and in Budapest on Tuesday, 17 November. BBC Sport says Northern Ireland are still yet to concede in the competition this year. A strong finish could secure promotion to League A, and, by extension, improve their chances of a route into qualification for Euro 2028. BBC Sport also noted that Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny have received their first senior call-ups for the squad.