Northern Ireland squad in 'good shape' for Ukraine clash

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill expressed confidence in his squad's readiness for their Nations League encounter with Ukraine, scheduled to take place in Slovakia. The team recently secured a victory against Georgia and a draw against Hungary, despite a demanding travel schedule. O'Neill highlighted the team's excellent recovery, particularly crediting younger players for their quicker recuperation, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next fixture.

While acknowledging Ukraine as the favorites due to their strong team and development, O'Neill stated that Northern Ireland often performs well when considered underdogs. The manager recognized that the game would not be played in Ukraine but still anticipated a challenging match. He emphasized that the team is comfortable with their underdog status and is prepared to compete effectively against a team perceived to be further ahead in its development.