Healy tips Charles for Northern Ireland captaincy role

Shea Charles made his Northern Ireland debut in 2022 against Greece

Northern Ireland great David Healy believes Shea Charles is a candidate to become the team's captain after another fine display in the 5-0 victory over Bulgaria in the Nations League.

The Southampton midfielder, who is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, has impressed Healy since making his debut two years ago.

Conor Bradley captained the team for a second time on Tuesday with O'Neill stating the the role will be rotated during the Nations League campaign following the retirement of Jonny Evans.

"Since the moment Shea Charles has stepped on the field at Windsor Park you have seen quality so if the captaincy is going to be switched around I would say potentially Shea Charles.

"Strangely enough Paddy McNair is probably the most experienced player and he hasn't had it so maybe that's something Michael O'Neill will look at."

It was a night to remember for Northern Ireland as they provided a superb display to spark jubilation in the Windsor Park stands and with it the promise of a bright future ahead for Michael O'Neill's young team.

Issac Price bagged a hat-trick - the first for Northern Ireland since Healy in 2007 - while a Dimitar Mitov own goal and Josh Magennis strike completed the rout.

Northern Ireland's record men's scorer Healy was delighted for Price, who had scored just two international goals before his treble.

"It's a brilliant night for Northern Ireland and it's a brilliant night for Isaac Price," said the Linfield manager.

"To score a hat-trick at Windsor Park, I have had the pleasure of doing that, it's an incredible feeling."

Former Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie believes it was the perfect night for Northern Ireland.

"It couldn't have gone any better for us. Every player, substitutes included, done their bit," he said.

"Northern Ireland were first to everything and the night was capped off at the end by Josh Magennis coming on and scoring a great goal. It was a great finish."

Gillespie also believes Pierce Charles - who was making his second international appearance - should be considered to replace Bailey Peacock-Farrell as the number one keeper.

"If Michael O'Neill feels that Pierce Charles can do exactly the same as what Bailey Peacock-Farrell can do in terms of agility, movement and saving things. Why would you not play Charles if he can offer a little bit more with his feet?

"Pierce Charles gives us that calmness when it goes back to the goalkeeper. I think with Bailey Peacock-Farrell we get a little nervy as I don't think his kicking is generally as good."

Pierce was again playing alongside his brother Shea and the Sheffield Wednesday stopper wants to become a regular starter.

"Hopefully, that was what I came here to do. When I got the nod to play, that was my target and aim, to keep my position in the team.

"International football is the biggest stage. To play and keep a clean sheet in a 5-0 win, we've not done that for a while, so it's amazing."

Brodie Spencer almost got on the scoresheet - his shot deflected off the post and then Mitov for an own goal to make it 3-0.

The Huddersfield Town midfielder savoured the occasion and gave an insight into Northern Ireland's positive attitude.

"It's absolutely unbelievable and to be part of that and feel that atmosphere in person was unreal - it's something I've dreamed about since I was kid.

"It's a young team, quite an exciting team and we have no fear and you could see that [in this match]. We go after teams, we're up for the fight and when the fans get behind you it's like having an extra man on the pitch."