O’Neill out of Northern Ireland's Nations League games

Arsenal forward Ceadach O'Neill has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Nations League matches against Ukraine and Hungary because of injury. O'Neill earned his first senior cap against Guinea in June and was a late substitute in the Nations League wins over Georgia and Ukraine in the last international window.

The 18‑year‑old now has four international caps and recently made his first senior appearance for Arsenal, starting in the Carabao Cup last‑16 tie against Fleetwood Town, which the Gunners lost in a penalty shootout.

Injury woes hit the squad

He joins Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal and midfielders Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell in being ruled out of the upcoming double‑header because of injury. Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, who has not played since January, remains a long‑term absentee. Michael O'Neill’s side are unbeaten at the top of League B2 with eight points from four matches and can earn promotion to the top tier for the first time.

Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny received their first Northern Ireland call‑ups for the games. Northern Ireland face Ukraine at Windsor Park on Saturday 14 November before travelling to Budapest to play Hungary on Tuesday 17 November.

Manager stresses ambition

“We’re naturally disappointed to be without Ceadach for the final two games of the campaign,” said manager Michael O’Neill. “He has been a great asset to the squad in the last international window and everyone here wishes him a swift recovery,” he added. “The wider squad and staff are looking forward to the two games ahead,” O’Neill said. “We’re in a good position in the group and there is plenty to play for,” he added. “The Ukraine game in Belfast will be an important one for us, before we travel to Hungary for another challenging fixture,” O’Neill continued. “We’ll be looking to build on the work we’ve done so far and finish the campaign strongly,” he said.

Northern Ireland are the only side left in the Nations League who have yet to concede a goal in this year’s competition. Shea Charles scored a last‑gasp winner in Georgia in September before a goalless draw at home to Hungary. A 3‑0 victory over Ukraine was one of the most impressive performances from O’Neill’s young side, and they ended the quadruple‑header with another goalless draw, this time at home to Georgia. If Northern Ireland can top the group they would not only win promotion to League A but would also be all but guaranteed a play‑off for Euro 2028.