NI's record side show grit beyond their years

NI's record side show grit beyond their yearsImage source, Press EyeImage caption, Northern Ireland fielded a starting team with an average age of just 22.1 against GuineaByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished1 minute agoCommentsUnder the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar and in front of just 300 fans Northern Ireland's game with Guinea may not be their biggest game of the international window. But it does show the continued direction of travel and development of Michael O'Neill's side.When Northern Ireland played Luxembourg in November 2024 it was their youngest starting team on record since the end of World War Two. With the likes of Shea Charles, Isaac Price, Justin Devenny and Trai Hume having another 18 months of experience and caps, Northern Ireland surpassed that tally again on Thursday.In La Linea, O'Neill's young side started with an average age of just 22.1 against the African opposition.Liverpool teenager Kieran Morrison was handed his debut, while fellow 19-year-old Tom Atcheson impressed with the decisive goal before he was sent off in the second half.At 28, Ciaron Brown and winger Paul Smyth would almost be classed as elderly by comparison, but the youthful team got the job done despite playing the final 25 minutes with 10 men after Atcheson was dismissed for a last man tackle.Just like in a victory over Iceland a year ago, a 1-0 home win after Brodie Spencer was sent off, it showed resilience beyond their years. Atcheson scores and is sent off as NI beat GuineaWhile there was some short-term pain back in 2023, Northern Ireland and manager O'Neill have seen the benefits of introducing players to senior international football at a young age.Those youngsters have blossomed into seasoned internationals, and the next generation are starting to get their chance.In the second half Arsenal teenager Ceadach O'Neill was handed his debut off the bench, and while Everton's 18-year-old Braiden Graham did not get on t...