O'Neill 'hopeful' training centre plans progress

What the report says

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said he is hopeful the Irish Football Association can keep moving ahead with plans for a national training centre at Galgorm, outside Ballymena, with the target of having it open by 2028. The IFA first announced the proposed facility in February 2025, describing it as a state-of-the-art site with top-level pitches and modern training resources. The association has since repeated that it wants to proceed, while also saying it hopes to address concerns raised by some local residents.

O’Neill, who grew up in Ballymena, said the project could benefit the town and help show long-term commitment to player development. He said a centre like this would matter not only for the senior men’s team, but also for youth football and the women’s game. His comments reflect a broader view in football that central training facilities can support coaching, talent development and national team preparation over time.

He also addressed Liverpool defender Conor Bradley’s recovery from a knee injury, saying he does not expect the player to take part in Northern Ireland’s upcoming Nations League campaign. O’Neill said Bradley is progressing, but that the injury needs careful management. Northern Ireland are due to play Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine later this year, and O’Neill suggested a return later in the cycle may be more realistic.