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In Focus: Northern Ireland's next generation bidding to impress Baraclough
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Sean Wilson
LiveScore
Ian Baraclough will be hoping his younger players step up this month
Ian Baraclough will be hoping his younger players step up this month

Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough is putting his faith in youth over experience.

The former Motherwell manager will give his young players an opportunity to showcase their qualities in the Nations League this month. 

Ahead of Northern Ireland’s Group C2 fixture against Greece tonight, we take a look at five emerging talents who could stake a claim to become regulars.

Shayne Lavery

Shayne Lavery, 23, netted 10 times for Championship side Blackpool in all competitions last season and will be hoping to nail down a spot up front. 

Questions have been asked about the Green and White army's goalscoring capacity but Baraclough has backed his current crop of players — and will be looking for an attacking candidate to stand out from the pack. 

He said: "It's been an age-old question for Northern Ireland and our strikers, whether we can hit the target enough. 

"There can be opportunities from set-pieces where it is everyone's responsibility and we can't just heap pressure on the strikers, but we have players who can put the ball in the back of the net. 

Only Gary Madine scored more goals for Blackpool than Shayne Lavery in the Championship this term
Only Gary Madine scored more goals for Blackpool than Shayne Lavery in the Championship this term

"Kyle [Lafferty] has been in great form for Kilmarnock and Conor [Washington] has delivered in the Irish League. 

"We have Lavery, Dion Charles and Gavin Whyte who can play up front. They have scored regularly for their clubs and hopefully they can bring that form into the camp."

Daniel Ballard

Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard has 13 international caps to his name, despite being just 22.

The centre-back has been called up again after another successful loan spell, this time in the Championship with Millwall, who finished six points off the play-offs in ninth.

Arsenal's Daniel Ballard is attracting interest due to his impressive performances on loan at Millwall
Arsenal's Daniel Ballard is attracting interest due to his impressive performances on loan at Millwall

Ballard made 31 appearances for the Lions, who had the joint-fourth best defensive record in the division — behind only promoted sides Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. 

As he looks to take the next step in his career and break through at the Emirates, the Stevenage native will be hoping to cement himself as a regular on the international front.

Alistair McCann

Scotland-born Alistair McCann joined Preston last summer from St Johnstone and has enjoyed an impressive first season in the Championship. 

The midfielder, 22, made 28 appearances in England’s second tier after securing a cup double with the Saints in 2020-21. 

He opened his goalscoring accounts for both his new club and his country last year — and will undoubtedly be looking to add to that tally in the upcoming round of Nations League fixtures.

Alistair McCann will be hoping to establish himself at international level after a season with Preston
Alistair McCann will be hoping to establish himself at international level after a season with Preston

Alfie McCalmont

Leeds midfielder Alfie McCalmont, 22, has been sent on back-to-back loans, with spells at League Two Oldham in 2020-21 and League One Morecambe last season. 

His stint in the fourth tier yielded eight goals and five assists — but this term has been more mixed, with an excellent first half of the campaign proving more fruitful than recent months. 

Regardless, McCalmont has over 70 senior appearances to his name and that experience will be invaluable as he looks to impress Baraclough in the centre of the park.

Josh Clarke

Former Chelsea youngster Josh Clarke finally made his Glenavon debut this season, with the hotly-tipped prospect eventually featuring six times for the first team. 

The goalkeeper, 17, kept two clean sheets and gave a good account of himself in those outings, which will only have boosted his burgeoning reputation. 

This senior call-up will be an excellent experience for his development, though he is unlikely to feature ahead of Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Trevor Carson or Luke Southwood.

Tags

UEFA Nations LeagueNorthern Ireland
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