Kings of Lyon Josh Magennis and Paddy McNair are crucial to the development of the Northern Ireland new era team according to young prince Brodie Spencer.
The Huddersfield defender was a key figure as Michael O’Neill’s side put in a right royal show to romp to a 5-0 victory over Bulgaria in Belfast on Tuesday night to move to the top of their Nations League table.
Spencer played in the left wing-back berth and was strong in defence and stylish going forward.
Isaac Price grabbed a hat-trick with substitute Magennis also on target. Spencer, 20, was unlucky not to join them on the scoresheet with his drive from distance hitting the post before rebounding into the net off Bulgarian goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov for an own goal.
Understandably, young talents such as Spencer, Price, the Charles brothers Shea and Pierce, captain Conor Bradley, Callum Marshall and Trai Hume were hailed for their performances, but acknowledgement was given to Euro 2016 stars McNair and Magennis for the part they are playing in the side’s progression.
Spencer said: “There’s a lot of young, fresh talent mixed in with a lot of experience – guys like Josh and Paddy who have been there and been through a lot and were part of the team that went to the Euros.
“It’s great to have those lads in there and you learn so much off them.”
On hat-trick hero Price and teenage goalkeeper Charles, Spencer was also full of praise.
He said: “I’ve played with Isaac from Under-19 level, I’ve seen him play for years so I know what he’s all about. For him to get a hat-trick was no surprise to me with the positions he takes up. He’s such a smart football player. I’m sure he’ll get plenty more goals in his career.
“Pierce is an absolute joke of a player. So young but he just looks so composed on the ball. Nothing fazes him at all. He’s shown how good he is on the ball but hasn’t had to do much – but I can assure you his goal-stopping is absolutely unbelievable as well.
“He still has so much to show, and that’s the scary thing. I’m so excited for him for the future.
“There were a lot of young players out there who wanted to show what we’re about. We’re young but we’re a very close group. We’ve got a lot of ‘legs’, can get up and down the pitch and we showed that. We were absolutely unbelievable on and off the ball.
“It’s quite a while since there’s been a 5-0 win at Windsor Park, so to be a part of that and experience the atmosphere, both in the stadium and the changing room, was absolutely unbelievable. The lads were buzzing; it’s been a very good camp and that just tops it all.
“The manager (O’Neill) said you don’t get many nights like that, so just enjoy it and remember it for the rest of our careers.”
Involved in the three first half goals, the right footed Spencer was superb on the left flank.
“I’d play anywhere for my country, even if it’s goalkeeper,” said the former Cliftonville youth player.
“It’s a pleasure to be on the pitch every single time. I was delighted to be involved in some goals and a great performance from everyone. It’s been a couple of years since I started at Windsor so it was good.”
Asked if he thought he had scored, Spencer added: “Yeah. I saw it go past him but obviously it came back off the post and went in. I told a few of the lads, especially being right-footed and playing on the left, that as soon as I got an opportunity to cut in I’m going to do it. For it to lead to a goal was great.”