Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill had not been born when Best claimed the Ballon d’Or after helping Manchester United win the European Cup, but he understands the significance of a global star to a smaller football nation. “George Best remains a legendary name in world football, and we are incredibly fortunate that he was from […]
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Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard believes the team possess “plenty of quality and determination” as they get ready for four demanding Nations League fixtures. Ballard returns to international duty after a hamstring problem ruled him out of April’s World Cup play-off semi-final loss to Italy and the June friendlies against Guinea and France. The 27-year-old […]
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The opening four matches of the 2026 Nations League mark Graham’s second involvement with Northern Ireland’s senior squad, following his selection for the June friendlies against Guinea and France. He was preparing to come on against France, but the match ended before he could make his senior international debut. O’Neill believed Graham had earned an […]
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Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill expressed confidence that the Irish Football Association can advance its plans to open a national training centre by 2028. In February 2025, the IFA unveiled proposals for a modern facility beside the Galgorm Resort near Ballymena, featuring top-quality pitches and advanced training amenities. The association reaffirmed its commitment to the […]
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Those personal sacrifices enabled Howe to build her career domestically before possibilities overseas started to appear. After representing Linfield, Glentoran and Sligo Rovers, her impressive scoring form for Athlone Town in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division attracted interest from clubs elsewhere. Having joined Celtic, she now feels she is in the right setting […]
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Under the Irish FA’s gambling rules in Northern Ireland, players are prohibited from wagering on any fixture connected to their club or competition, including men’s, women’s and youth football. They are also forbidden from asking someone else to bet for them. Michael Carvill, who leads the Professional Footballers’ Association in Northern Ireland, said he had […]
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Having coached Charles at Northern Ireland youth level, Lyttle was always convinced that the youngster had the ability to succeed. “He is incredibly composed. I genuinely do not think he has shown his full capacity yet, and there is still much more to come from him,” Lyttle said in a 2021 interview. “He remains calm […]
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