Tommy Wright believes this is a great time to be a young player from Northern Ireland.
The Under-21 boss has seen a number of players fast-tracked into Michael O’Neill’s senior squad since he took the job and he couldn’t be happier.
The likes of Dale Taylor, Callum Marshall, Pierce Charles and Shea Charles have all played under O’Neill, even though they were still eligible for Wright’s underage squad in the 2025 European Championship qualifying campaign.
Wright reminds his squad on a regular basis that playing well for the Under-21s will give them a great opportunity to follow in the footsteps of many before them who have got a taste of international football at the highest level.
Northern Ireland Under-21 midfielder Patrick Kelly celebrates scoring against Azerbaijan
Asked if the Under-21s’ recent run of form is even more satisfying considering how many young players have moved to the senior ranks, Wright said: “Yes, that is pleasing.
“I said when I got the job, every time we meet up, it’s an opportunity to impress me and impress Michael.
“Michael gets all the information from me and he watches all the games, so I think it’s a great time to be a young Northern Ireland player.
“If you’re doing well at your club and you’re doing well at Under-21 level, then Michael is more than happy to bring you into the squad.”
Wright’s side ran out 5-0 winners over their Azerbaijan counterparts in Ballymena on Saturday after a strong second-half showing.
Justin Devenny celebrates scoring in Northern Ireland Under-21s’ victory over Azerbaijan in Ballymena
Charlie Allen’s early penalty was added to after the break thanks to goals from JJ McKiernan, Patrick Kelly and Justin Devenny before a late own goal from the visiting goalkeeper Rustam Samigullin.
It leaves them on course for a strong finish to Group F, and a victory away to Luxembourg on Tuesday night in the final game of the campaign would give them a great opportunity to finish third behind England and Ukraine.
“We’ve had three really good performances on the bounce,” Wright explained.
“We had England at home, we were really unlucky against Ukraine and then today against Azerbaijan.
Shea Kearney’s cross is turned in by Azerbaijan goalkeeper Rustam Samigullin at the Ballymena Showgrounds
“Third place is now up for grabs because the England result at the weekend means that if Ukraine beat Serbia and we can win in Luxembourg, I believe that will be enough to get us third.
“From where we started with this group of players, if we can get third in the group, that would be an unbelievable achievement for them.”
Tommy Wright had a strong Irish League flavour to his selection on Saturday, with nine of his squad either having plied their trade in the domestic game or are currently still doing so.
Northern Ireland Under-21 boss Tommy Wright watches on from the touchline in Ballymena
The former Limavady United, Ballymena United and Lisburn Distillery boss will continue to look to the League he cut his managerial teeth within.
“With me living at home, I get to England, but I also keep my finger on the pulse with all the Irish League players,” he added.
“I think that’s important because the Irish League is a good standard and young players are playing senior football.
“Ultimately, that is good preparation for international football, so that’s important for them.”