Northern Ireland’s greatest goalkeeper Pat Jennings has praised the country’s latest one Pierce Charles, pointing out that manager Michael O’Neill has an interesting decision to make for Friday’s game against Belarus in either sticking with the teenager or reverting to the more experienced Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
The legendary Jennings, who won 119 caps, was greatly encouraged by Northern Ireland’s stunning 5-0 home victory over Bulgaria last month and hopes O’Neill’s side can follow that up with wins against Belarus and Luxembourg in this international window to top their Nations League group.
Jennings, adored by Tottenham and Arsenal fans for his service to both north London clubs, was speaking in Belfast on Wednesday at the announcement of a three-year partnership between the SuperCupNI and Budget Energy, with the Northern Ireland-based electricity provider named as the tournament’s official main partner.
The goalkeeping great, who turns 80 next year, made his international debut aged just 18. In October, Sheffield Wednesday’s Charles was 19 when he made his bow keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw versus Belarus and another one in the thrashing of Bulgaria.
Jennings was taken with the youngster’s passing ability during the 5-0 victory – the first time Northern Ireland won by that scoreline since Pat played in the 1971 triumph over Cyprus when his pal George Best netted a hat-trick.
Charles was given the nod for both matches due to Peacock-Farrell being injured. Needing two more caps to reach 50, there is much debate amongst fans on whether the Birmingham goalkeeper will come back in.
“Pierce didn’t have to make many saves on the night against Bulgaria but I thought his distribution was brilliant,” said Jennings.
Pat Jennings
“That’s become so important in today’s game. In our day the big thing was to be able to catch the ball and make saves, but goalkeepers are expected to pass it now.
“Michael might go for the experience but it is a nice position to be in. Bailey will want to come back and Pierce will want to keep his place so it will be an interesting decision for Michael.”
Jennings raved about Northern Ireland’s performance in their last outing, hailing Liverpool’s Conor Bradley and Southampton’s Shea Charles, who is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
“I was really impressed with Shea. He looks a real quality player, as does Conor Bradley who is doing great playing for Liverpool,” stated Jennings.
“The way the team played against Bulgaria was brilliant. One of the great things about it was the team was direct and played quick football which was good to watch. I also thought the goals were fantastic.
“Generally football now is about passing the ball across the pitch around your own box and it can drive me mad watching it at times, but I liked the way Northern Ireland wanted to get forward so quickly at pace. There was no messing about. We went straight at them.
“Hopefully we can keep it going and beat Belarus at home and Luxembourg away and finish top of the Nations League group.”