CAN WE FIX THIS? YES WE McCANN

Ali: We've had a setbact have but still have six games to do this

- ALAN MARSHALL

ALI McCANN insists Northern Ireland must accept there will be setbacks along the way as they nurture a new generation of players.

Michael O’Neill’s players left Windsor Park dejected on Monday night after Abat Aimbetov hit an 88th-minute breakaway goal to give Kazakhstan victory – that was greeted with boos by sections of the home support.

Northern Ireland had far more of the ball and created more chances but were punished for their inability to take them as they fell to a third straight 1-0 defeat in Group H.

It was another night where the long list of senior players missing through injury told – but the youngsters again pressed into action largely impressed, with Shea Charles, 19, named player of the match.

McCann, 23, counted among the more experienced players as he earned his 18th cap.

And although this result might be enough to already put their qualification for Euro 2024 out of reach, he reckons the squad should not get too downhearted.

The former St Johnstone midfielder, now at Preston, said: “Obviously the manner of the goal, it’s not ideal and the result is really disappointing.

“But there are lots of positives, we always look at the positives.