Northern Ireland Euro 2024 Qualifiers: Who Will Captain the Team in the Absence of Jonny Evans?
Michael O’Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, finds himself facing a captaincy conundrum as the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Finland and Denmark approach. With Jonny Evans sidelined due to injury and Steven Davis having succumbed to a long-term injury shortly after O’Neill’s return as manager, the options for captaincy have become limited.
Craig Cathcart, Evans’ central defensive partner, briefly took on the armband in Evans’ previous absence. However, Cathcart has now retired from international duty, leaving a void in leadership. Stuart Dallas, a versatile player, could have been a contender, but he’s still recovering from a broken leg. Corry Evans, with his experience and dedication, would have been another option, but the injury bug has also bitten him.
So, who are the possible candidates to captain the Northern Ireland team in these crucial qualifiers?
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Josh Magennis (Age: 33, Caps: 75):
Josh Magennis, a striker and a fan favorite known for his work ethic and vital goals, could be a popular choice. With 75 caps and 11 goals to his name, he’s been a consistent performer for Northern Ireland. Despite facing fitness and club form challenges, Magennis recently got the nod to start in important matches and could be a strong candidate for captaincy. -
Paddy McNair (Age: 28, Caps: 66):
Paddy McNair’s international experience and versatility make him a strong contender. With 66 caps and a history of consistent performance, McNair’s presence on the field has been a constant for Northern Ireland. He may not be the most vocal, but his experience and pedigree could make him a reliable captain choice. -
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Age: 27, Caps: 42):
The fact that goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has already earned 42 caps at just 27 years old speaks volumes about his importance to the squad. He’s been the regular first-choice goalkeeper and has expressed ambitions to break Northern Ireland appearance records. However, his recent form and fitness will be crucial factors in his captaincy candidacy. -
George Saville (Age: 30, Caps: 49):
George Saville might be considered a surprise candidate, but with 49 caps, he has substantial international experience. Whether he gets the captain’s armband could depend on his inclusion in the starting lineup. Despite facing criticism from fans, O’Neill might choose to mark Saville’s 50th appearance with the captaincy.
As Northern Ireland looks to build for the future, emerging talents like Dan Ballard, Conor Bradley, and Shea Charles could also be future captaincy options. Dan Ballard, in particular, has shown promise as a vital defender and even briefly took on the captain’s role in a recent match.
While Michael O’Neill faces a tough decision, the Northern Ireland faithful will be eager to see who leads their team in the upcoming qualifiers against Finland and Denmark. The captain’s choice could have a significant impact on the team’s performance and morale as they strive to secure a spot in Euro 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Captaincy
Q: Who was the previous captain of the Northern Ireland football team before Jonny Evans’ injury?
A: The previous captain of the Northern Ireland football team before Jonny Evans’ injury was Steven Davis, who unfortunately suffered a long-term injury shortly after Michael O’Neill’s return as manager.
Q: Are there any emerging talents being considered for the captaincy in the future?
A: Yes, emerging talents like Dan Ballard, Conor Bradley, and Shea Charles are being considered for the captaincy in the future. Dan Ballard, in particular, briefly took on the captain’s role in a recent match and has shown promise as a vital defender.
Q: What are the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers for Northern Ireland?
A: Northern Ireland’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers are against Finland and Denmark. These matches are crucial as the team aims to secure a spot in Euro 2024.
Q: How has Josh Magennis been performing recently?
A: Josh Magennis faced fitness and club form challenges earlier in the campaign but has recently been included in the starting lineup for important matches. His performance will likely influence his chances of becoming the team’s captain.
Q: What is the age and international cap count for Bailey Peacock-Farrell?
A: Bailey Peacock-Farrell is 27 years old and has earned 42 international caps for Northern Ireland. His experience and standing in the squad make him a potential captaincy candidate.
Q: Has George Saville been a consistent starter for Northern Ireland in this campaign?
A: George Saville has started five times and made two sub appearances in the eight matches of this campaign. Whether he gets the captain’s armband could depend on his inclusion in the starting lineup.
More about Captaincy
- Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 Qualifiers – BBC Sport coverage of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
- Jonny Evans – Information about Jonny Evans, the injured Manchester United center-half.
- Steven Davis – Details on Steven Davis, the former talismanic skipper of Northern Ireland.
- Josh Magennis – Insights into Josh Magennis’ career and contributions to Northern Ireland.
- Paddy McNair – Information on Paddy McNair’s international experience and versatility.
- Bailey Peacock-Farrell – Details about Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s journey as Northern Ireland’s goalkeeper.
- George Saville – Information on George Saville and his role in the Northern Ireland squad.
- Dan Ballard – Insights into Dan Ballard’s emergence as a vital defender for Northern Ireland.
- Conor Bradley – Information about Liverpool wing-back Conor Bradley and his potential as a future captain.
- Shea Charles – Details on Southampton midfielder Shea Charles and his attributes as a potential long-term captain.
3 comments
Go team Northern Ireland! ⚽
Peacock-Farrell, young goali with big potential. Hope he fit for captincy!
McNair cud b a surprize captin but hez got experiance!