NI need 'more than one captain' - O'Neill

BBC News

a day ago

International Friendly: Denmark v Northern IrelandVenue: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen Date: Saturday, 7 June Kick-off: 18:00 BSTCoverage: Watch live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NI, listen on BBC Sounds and follow live text commentary & in-play clips on the BBC Sport website
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says he sees "no reason" to appoint a permanent captain of the side at this stage after discussions with his squad. Jonny Evans retired from international football in August and O'Neill has since rotated through a number of options. Conor Bradley, Shea Charles, Daniel Ballard, Paddy McNair and Trai Hume have all led the side in the past year and the latter will again wear the armband in the friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday."It worked well for us in the Nations League, so we've no reason to address it at this minute in time," O'Neill said."What we're trying to get from this group of players is a number of leaders, not just someone that has the captaincy for a long period of time. "The captain wears the armband, but you need more than one captain on the pitch, and I think the way we've handled that and the way the players have handled that in terms of sharing that responsibility has been a positive."Having had the conversations with the players that have had that honour to captain the country, they feel it's a good thing as well."
With San Diego FC defender Paddy McNair, who has won 75 caps for his country, withdrawing through injury, Millwall midfielder George Saville is the only player in Northern Ireland's squad over the age of 30.Hume, 23, feels the age profile of the squad lends itself to using different players in the role."It's probably easier to share the leadership around the group than it is for one person to take full responsibility," said the full-back who will also lead the side against Iceland in Belfast on Tuesday. "I think as a young group we probably need that. We spoke about it and it's easier to do it that way. "There's a lot of leaders within the team, not just myself."Hume previously captained the team in the Nations League against Luxembourg and Bulgaria in September but said he did not feel the role changed his approach."Obviously, you're wearing the armband, you're leading the team out and you're proud to do so, but I don't see it as anything different than what I would already give to the team and give to the squad," he added. "I'll just take it in my stride and just keep doing what I'm doing."Having gained promotion through the Championship play-offs alongside his international team-mate Ballard, the Sunderland duo will bolster Northern Ireland's Premier League representation next season.Of O'Neill's squad, only Liverpool's Conor Bradley and Crystal Palace's Justin Devenny featured in England's top tier during the 2024-25 season.Hume joined the Black Cats from Linfield when they were a League One side in 2022 having also represented Ballymena United in the Irish Premiership."I think Trai is a great example to all the young players that there is no set pathway or journey to get to be an international footballer," said O'Neill."You don't have to be at Liverpool or Manchester United at 15 or 16 to have that pathway. Trai came down a different route through our own domestic league. "For me Trai is probably more like the lads that used to be in the squad when I was in it. Modern footballers get caught up in a lot of stuff. Trai doesn't seem to be fazed by any of that which is quite refreshing."