Mark Sterling
BBC Sport NI

Shea Charles is a versatile defender, just turned 18 this month, who has come through the youth ranks at Manchester City, signed his first professional contract in the summer and is currently playing for their Under-23s.

He has played for Northern Ireland at Under-16 and Under-17 level, played for Gerard Lyttle in the recent Under-19 Euro qualifiers and came on as a late substitute in the Under-21s' victory over Lithuania on Friday.

"Shea has been so, so impressive during my time working with him," said Lyttle.

"He has played as a centre-back for me but I know that, because of how good he is on the ball, Manchester City are playing him as a six in their under-23s. I have never seen anyone better on the ball than this kid."

While Northern Ireland can't reach the World Cup and there are the constant rumours swirling about the future of Steven Davis, let's take a look at some of the players who could give NI and Ian Baraclough a bright future.

It's between Switzerland and Italy for top spot and the automatic place the World Cup that comes with it, with a play-off guaranteed regardless of what happens.

Northern Ireland and Bulgaria are tied together in third and fourth, but both can influence what happens between the top two.

For Lithuania, maybe the less said, the better.

Northern Ireland

The big news for Northern Ireland is that Paddy McNair misses out after picking up a knock against Lithuania.

Northern Ireland fans will be delighted to hear that Stuart Dallas is passed fit and he starts at right wing back.

Tom Flanagan is the man who replaces McNair, while Jamal Lewis comes in for Shane Ferguson and Gavin Whyte will start in attack in place of Conor Washington.

Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell, Dallas, Flanagan, J Evans, Cathcart, Lewis, Saville, Davis (capt), McCann, Whyte, Magennis.

Subs: Hazard, Southwood, Bradley, McGinn, Washington, Taylor, Ferguson, C Evans, Jones, Galbraith, Brown.

Image source, BBC Sport

While Northern Ireland have nothing to play for this evening, Jorginho's last-minute penalty miss ensured the race to finish first in 2022 World Cup qualifying Group C goes down to the wire as top two Switzerland and Italy played out a gripping draw.

The Chelsea player blazed over after VAR was used to rule that Ulisses Garcia had shoved Domenico Berardi.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo headed Italy level after Silvan Widmer's superb opener.

The Azzurri hold the edge going in to the last round of games with a goal difference two better than the Swiss.

It means a straight shoot-out between the pair for top spot on Monday, with Italy at Northern Ireland and Switzerland at home against Bulgaria.

Image source, Getty Images

Benvenuto!

It's another big Windsor Park night as the European champions travel to Belfast.

While tonight means little for Northern Ireland when it comes to the result, the Italians know three points are needed if they are to secure automatic qualification to the World Cup next winter (which will never stop sounding odd).

The Swiss, famously friends of this Northern Ireland team, face Bulgaria in a shootout for top spot. The Italians are ahead of goal difference so Switzerland know they have to better their result and book their place in Qatar.

With a sold out crowd behind them and all the pressure on Roberto Mancini's side, could this be a famous night for Northern Ireland at Windsor Park?

It should be a good one! Thanks for joining us!