Who are NI's uncapped teens Graham and O'Neill?
Northern Ireland's national football team has included uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O'Neill in their squad for upcoming friendlies against Guinea and France. Manager Michael O'Neill aims to develop younger talent following the team's World Cup exit. Both players have shown promise at youth levels, with Graham being a notable goalscorer and O'Neill gaining experience at Arsenal's academy.
- ▪Braiden Graham has scored 16 goals this season for Everton's under-21 side.
- ▪Ceadach O'Neill moved to Arsenal from Linfield and has trained with the first team.
- ▪Michael O'Neill emphasizes the importance of developing younger players for the future.
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Who are NI's uncapped teens Graham and O'Neill?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Graham and O'Neill have been included in the squad to face Guinea and FranceByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalistPublished29 May 2026, 08:06 BSTUpdated 19 minutes agoNorthern Ireland's World Cup dream may have been ended by Italy in March, but the squad for June's internationals suggests Michael O'Neill has one eye on the future.Friendlies against Guinea and France have given O'Neill the chance to bring in younger faces, with uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O'Neill included in the squad.Fresh off the back of signing a new four-year contract extension with NI, O'Neill said this window presents an opportunity to "accelerate players".Of course, there are no guarantees either will establish…
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