NI squad only picked on merit - O'Neill

What the report says

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has said squad selection is based on merit alone and that he would not use FIFA eligibility rules as a factor when deciding which players to field. His comments come amid renewed attention on international allegiance rules because of Arsenal teenager Ceadach O'Neill, who has already won two senior Northern Ireland caps and has also reportedly been approached by the Republic of Ireland.

O'Neill said it would be unfair to give a young player minutes simply to tie him to one country, stressing that Ceadach was chosen because he trained well and deserved the chance. The 18-year-old is included in Northern Ireland's squad for the upcoming Nations League window, which begins with an away match against Georgia on 25 September. He is one of four teenagers in the group, alongside Blackburn defender Tom Atcheson, Everton forward Braiden Graham and Liverpool winger Kieran Morrison.

The BBC report says Atcheson and Morrison were both born in England but qualify for Northern Ireland through family connections, and both have already progressed through youth levels before making senior appearances. O'Neill said the youngsters have earned their places and can benefit both the national side and their club careers. He also pointed to Northern Ireland's history of promoting young players early, citing past examples such as Conor Bradley and Isaac Price, as well as former captain Norman Whiteside, to show this approach is not new.