NORTHERN LIGHTS

O'Neill's wonder boys ready to shine on world stage says Shea

- DAVID ANDERSON

SHEA CHARLES is not surprised by Northern Ireland's rapid development over the last 12 months - because he always knew how good their young side are.

The Irish need just a point against Luxembourg tonight to finish top of Nations League Group C3 and crown an impressive autumn for Michael O'Neill's kids.

O'Neill (inset), whose side had an average age of just over 23 years and two months in Friday's win over Belarus, had to fast-track his youngsters when stalwarts Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and Jonny Evans retired.

Charles, 21, who will captain the Irish for the second time this evening, came through the ranks with the likes of Liverpool's Conor Bradley, also 21, and Sunderland's Trai Hume, 22, and could see how talented they are.