Young Northern Ireland goalkeeper Stephen McMullan feels that Pierce Charles has done enough to keep the number one shirt.
Birmingham stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has returned to the panel after missing the October games against Belarus and Bulgaria.
Charles was handed the starting berth against Belarus and Bulgaria — and impressed, particularly with his distribution.
Michael O’Neill’s young guns are on a high after ripping apart Bulgaria 5-0 at Windsor Park.
The side faces Belarus in Belfast on Friday with top spot and promotion from the third tier of the Nations League in their sights.
Former Warrenpoint Town keeper McMullan — who, at 19, is the same age as Charles — has linked up with previous Northern Ireland squads and is currently with Caernarfon Town on loan from League Two side Fleetwood.
“Michael is spoilt for choice. Pierce played the last two games and he’s a top guy and brilliant keeper,” he said.
“Bailey is back available again, he has been number one for some time and Luke (Southwood) is pushing the both of them as well as Conor (Hazard) when he’s fit.
“I think it’s one of the strongest positions in the squad when everyone is fit.
“It is a really difficult decision for Michael. It’s a tough call, I have no idea what he will do and I wouldn’t like to be him!
“I’m sure the two lads will push each other and battle it out for the number one shirt.
“Pierce has proven his worth in the last two games and he has every chance of keeping that shirt. It will be up to him whether he can continue to impress with Bailey returning.”
Stephen McMullan has ambitions to establish himself in Northern Ireland’s senior squad
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Sheffield Wednesday keeper Charles has impressed with Northern Ireland Under-19s and the younger brother of midfielder Shea kept two clean sheets against Belarus and Bulgaria.
“Pierce is a strong character and, like myself, he believes he can perform for the team,” said McMullan.
“A manager must make these calls and it will be interesting to see what happens.
“It’s great to have that choice, it’s not a bad predicament to have, with two top keepers, and I’m sure either would perform well on the night.
“I enjoyed my time with the squad, there is amazing talent there and it was brilliant to be a part of it. I really enjoyed it.”
While pleased to see Charles’ progress, McMullan is hungry to be part of that competition for places within the senior squad.
“I am definitely hoping to play for my country, it’s one of my main aims. There is more to come from me,” he insists.
“We had the European run with my loan team which was brilliant, and we are doing well in the League, picking back up. I would love to get a look in back at Fleetwood.
“Michael has a good young squad and I’m hoping to be a part of that as well in the future.
“Pierce is only 19 and has shown you can make the step up. It’s up to me to work hard and keep improving.
“I was with the Under-21s who have been performing well. The senior side is always what I strive for.”