While there was some short-term pain back in 2023, Northern Ireland and manager O’Neill have seen the benefits of introducing players to senior international football at a young age.
Those youngsters have blossomed into seasoned internationals, and the next generation are starting to get their chance.
In the second half Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill was handed his debut off the bench, and while Everton’s 18-year-old Braiden Graham did not get on the pitch in Spain, it will only be a matter of time before he earns a senior cap.
Goalkeeper Pierce Charles – only 20 and linked with a move away from Sheffield Wednesday – got another 45 minutes under his belt and, like many of his team-mates, is wise beyond his years.
“It’s really good, I feel like one of the old ones now, which is a bit mad,” said Southampton midfielder Charles, Pierce’s older brother, who has 35 caps at 22 years of age.
“It’s a really good group and it has been for a few years now.
“It’s really important to get the younger ones to mould into the group well and playing games is only going to help that.”
Charles also praised Atcheson despite his red card, saying he will “bounce back” from his dismissal.
Justin Devenny, fresh from Crystal Palace’s Uefa Conference League success, agreed with Charles and said “there is some real quality coming through”.
“They have been great in training all week and they totally deserve their chance,” the 22-year-old added.
“You could see their quality on the pitch, with them getting used to the system but they have fitted in brilliantly.
“There is a lot more to come because there is some real quality there.”
