\n<\/p>\n
Despite the inclusion of uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O’Neill making headlines, O’Neill added that he is “not putting any expectation” on either player. <\/p>\n
Graham has been included after scoring 22 goals in 31 appearances for Everton’s under-21 side, while O’Neill impressed in Arsenal’s academy. <\/p>\n
However, neither have made a senior appearance at their clubs despite featuring on the bench. <\/p>\n
“We’re not putting any expectation on these lads that are here,” O’Neill continued. <\/p>\n
“They’ve been in our underage system. They’re still yet to play first team football with their respective clubs, but they’re obviously both at big clubs.<\/p>\n
“The next phase for them, the next two or three years is very important. That 18 to 21 period in their career will determine a lot of whether they come through at their respective clubs or whether they go through the loan period. <\/p>\n
“A lot of variables in there, but we’re here to let them know that they’re very much in our plans.”<\/p>\n
NI face Guinea in Spain on 4 June before travelling to take on France four days later in their final match before the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Guinea are ranked 10 places below Northern Ireland in the Fifa rankings with the sides set to meet for the first time in their history.<\/p>\n
O’Neill added that they have “done the same level of work that we would try to do in a competitive game” despite footage being hard to access. <\/p>\n
“The footage is not as readily accessible, but we know that they’re a team that most of their players are obviously connected to European clubs and they play at different levels throughout Europe,” he added.<\/p>\n
“We know that a lot of their players will have come through the French system as well.<\/p>\n
“So, we know it will be a tough game against an athletic team (with) a relatively new coach as well, a Portuguese coach, so we know that it will be a tough test.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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