Ceadach O'Neill out of Northern Ireland's Nations League double-header
Arsenal forward Ceadach O'Neill has withdrawn injured from Northern Ireland's squad for the Nations League games against Ukraine and Hungary, joining several other absentees.
Arsenal forward Ceadach O'Neill has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's final two Nations League fixtures, against Ukraine in Belfast and Hungary in Budapest, because of injury. The 18-year-old, who has four senior caps, made his international debut against Guinea in June and appeared as a late substitute in the recent wins over Georgia and Ukraine. He recently started his first senior game for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Fleetwood Town, which Arsenal lost on penalties.
O'Neill is the latest addition to a growing injury list. Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell are also unavailable for the double-header, while Liverpool's Conor Bradley remains a long-term absentee, having not played since January. Manager Michael O'Neill said he was disappointed to lose the young forward, describing him as a valuable part of the squad in the last international window and wishing him a quick recovery.
Despite the absentees, Northern Ireland sit top of League B2 and are unbeaten with eight points from four matches, putting them in position to reach the top tier for the first time. They are also the only team in the competition yet to concede a goal this year, a run that includes a last-gasp win in Georgia, a home draw with Hungary and a 3-0 victory over Ukraine. Topping the group would bring promotion to League A and would leave them all but certain of a Euro 2028 play-off place.
The manager said the wider squad and staff were looking ahead to the two matches and that there was plenty to play for. He singled out the Ukraine game at Windsor Park as an important one before what he called another challenging fixture in Hungary, adding that the side would aim to build on its work so far and finish the campaign strongly. Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny have received their first call-ups for the games.
Northern Ireland host Ukraine at Windsor Park on Saturday, 14 November at 19:45 GMT, then travel to Budapest to face Hungary on Tuesday, 17 November. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether the depleted squad can maintain its unbeaten record and secure promotion, though the outcome will not be settled until the matches are played.
Image: Inpho / BBC Sport
