'Real buzz' around Northern Ireland - Charles

• Published 2 hours ago

Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles said "he could not be happier" following the side's unbeaten Nations League window.

Michael O'Neill's outfit are the only team within this year's competition who did not concede a goal during the extended four-game international break.

There has been much excitement and anticipation around the young squad who sit top of League B Group 2, and Charles thinks that the same feeling is felt within the team itself.

"I think everyone in the country is buzzing at the moment," Charles said.

"We have that same feeling in the changing room. I am really excited. We will take it game by game, but it's a real buzz.

"I thought it was a really good window. I think the boys have dealt with it so well. It's a lot of time to spend with each other. It's a really good group and we're top of the group, so I couldn't be happier."

'We have been really professional and really mature'

Northern Ireland opened their League B2 account with a win away to Georgia before a goalless draw at Windsor Park against Hungary.

They then beat Ukraine in emphatic fashion in Trnava and finished with another 0-0 home draw, this time against Georgia.

"There have been some really close moments where the game can go either way," he continued.

"I think we have been really professional and really mature in the way we have handled that away from home and I think that has been really good.

"We've created a lot of chances at home, probably more tonight than we did against Hungary. On another night they go in, we've got some top players up there that are more than capable of scoring goals so I'm sure the goals will come at home."

The longer window has also given O'Neill the chance to hand up and coming players in an already young squad some all-important game time.

Liverpool youngster Kieran Morrison made his competitive debut during the window with centre-backs Ruairi McConville, 21, and Tom Atcheson, 20, also impressing this campaign.

Meanwhile, Ceadach O'Neill also showed glimpses of potential when he was brought on for his fourth cap which means he can no longer switch international allegiance.

"More games give more players more opportunities to shine," he added.

"I think every player that's played has shown that they're more than capable of playing and starting in this team.

"There's a lot of competition at the moment and it's really healthy. It's only going to make us better. We've just got to come back and do a good job in November."

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