Northern Ireland target promotion against Ukraine

Northern Ireland enter the next Nations League round unbeaten, having kept a clean sheet in four games and sitting top of League B2. They host Ukraine in Belfast on Saturday, aiming to preserve their defensive record before travelling to Hungary on Tuesday.

Defensive solidity and options

Away victories over Georgia and Ukraine, combined with goalless home draws against Hungary and the Georgians, left Northern Ireland unbeaten and without conceding a goal. These results place them top of League B2 after four matches of the Nations League. They will now look to secure promotion to League A as Ukraine visit Belfast on Saturday, followed by a trip to Hungary on Tuesday to close the group.

Manager Michael O'Neill is without Premier League defenders Conor Bradley, a long‑term absentee, and Daniel Ballard, who was injured in the opening match against Georgia in September. At centre‑back, youngsters Tom Atcheson and Ruairi McConville impressed during the quadruple‑header, while experienced options Paddy McNair and Ciaron Brown remain available. Right‑back choices include Trai Hume, Terry Devlin, Brodie Spencer – who can also operate at left‑back – and Justin Devenny. In goal, first‑choice Pierce Charles now faces competition from Manchester United stopper Dermot Mee.

Sunderland have often deployed Trai Hume as a right winger this season. His versatility has seen him used further forward on the right flank by Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, while his primary position remains right‑back. For Northern Ireland the 24‑year‑old has also featured across the defensive line when required.

When Conor Bradley is fit on the right flank, Hume frequently lines up as the rightmost centre‑back in a three‑man defence, though he has also covered both full‑back positions. In October he started in midfield against Ukraine and helped secure a 3‑0 victory.

Attacking choices ahead of Ukraine

Jamie Donley has been leading the line in recent fixtures and is in good club form with Luton Town, albeit in a different role than at international level. His Luton teammate Callum Marshall provides another attacking option and can also be deployed on the wing.

Josh Magennis offers a target‑man option as he approaches a hundred caps for Northern Ireland. Everton’s Braiden Graham remains on the fringes of the first team. Eoin Kenny is largely untested, having made only one Championship appearance since moving to Portsmouth from Dundalk.