Ciaron Brown believes in-form Northern Ireland are moving forward in what has been largely a good year.
The national side’s 2-0 Nations League win over Belarus on Friday at Windsor Park quickly followed on from last month’s sizzling 5-0 victory against Bulgaria.
Central defender Brown featured on both occasions, helping lead a growing unit of top talent at manager Michael O’Neill’s disposal.
Despite the disappointment of a late yellow card against the Belarusians, which rules the Oxford United man out of Monday night’s clash away to Luxembourg, there was still time to savour the optimism within the Northern Ireland camp.
“One hundred percent it’s pleasing”, said Brown. “This is a team that is young, and is growing. Some of the players who first came in didn’t have much experience but now a lot of them have got quite a bit of experience. You can see whenever we meet up that we are all individually getting better all the time and it’s only going to continue. Personally I felt I played well (against Belarus) and stood up to the challenge”.
Brown admits time has flown for him on the international scene, since making his debut, ironically against Luxembourg, five years ago.
He explained: “The time really has flown in. When I made my debut the team was very good and experienced. There was obviously tough (qualifying) groups for us, up against teams like Germany which was a real eye-opener for me. I don’t know where the time has gone but the whole time I’ve been with the squad I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly”.
Inexperienced or otherwise, Brown insists that all players get treated on the same level when the internationals roll around, and he is more than happy to play in various defensive positions.
“I wouldn’t say I was a mentor or anything like that,” added 23 times capped Brown. “Everyone here is the same and gets treated the same, whether you’re 17 or 30. Everyone is open minded – if a 17 year old can tell me something that will help me or I can tell them something to help them, that’s great for all of us.
“To be fair I enjoy playing in different systems, as part of a back four or the left side of a three. It can be a little different but I enjoy playing as part of a back three where you can maybe step forward a bit more. Whatever way we play I’m happy to fit in.”
And Brown echoed the importance of momentum, something which O’Neill demands ahead of the final Nations League task against Luxembourg. Northern Ireland will be favourites to emulate a similar success to the 2-0 win over the Red Lions in the corresponding game in Belfast a couple of months ago.
“He (O’Neill) just let us know that obviously we’re going into Monday to try and win the game and top the group. He was already stressing to us to keep the momentum going and to go over there and win. Hopefully that happens.
“From what I remember they (Luxembourg) tried to play, they have dangerous strikers and good players in general.
“I think they will probably feel disappointed on how their results have went and that they should have done better. They are a good team and it will be a tough match.”
Meanwhile, Brown is enjoying the challenges at Oxford following their promotion to the Championship via the play-offs last term. A key player for Des Buckingham’s side, the Yellows are currently 16th in the table.
He said: “We’re pleased with the start we’ve had, but maybe a little disappointed as well. People might look at us now and think we’re overachieving.
“There have been a few results where we have missed opportunities and had hard luck and conceding goals. When we get some players back from injury there’s a lot more to come from us. I think we can push up the table. I just try to get on the pitch and help as much as I can.”