Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has high hopes for Pierce Charles as he comments on the opportunity afforded to Josh Magennis and Corry Evans during the upcoming international break

Goalkeeper Charles – who plays his club football for Sheffield Wednesday – put in a strong performance in nets for the U21s as they beat Serbia away from home back in March.

Charles, younger brother of Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles, has trained with the senior squad before, however this is his first official call-up to the seniors. The teenager has previously played for his country at U17, U19 and U21 level.

O’Neill believes the 18-year-old has all the traits needed for a goalkeeper to shine in the modern game.

He said: "We've known about Pierce for quite a while. He played for the 21s out in Serbia and put in a great performance. It was a great result for Tommy [Wright, NI Under-21s boss] to win away in Serbia against a strong Serbian team and an older Serbian team than what we had on the night.

"Pierce is one of those goalkeepers that everyone is looking for in the modern game. He's got great distribution, real composure with the ball at his feet and we know at Sheffield Wednesday they really regard him highly.

"I think with Luke Southwood having an injury, the balance of the keepers, I don't really think there's any benefit to bringing an older goalkeeper into that situation. Stephen or Pierce, and Stephen McMullan has been in before so it's nice to give Pierce the opportunity and his performance in Serbia was a big part of that."

O’Neill has called-up both Corry Evans and Josh Magennis who will find themselves as free agents in the summer as their time at Sunderland and Wigan Athletic respectively comes to an end.

Whilst acknowledging the pair could have preferred to not be involved in case of an injury, O’Neill praised the duo for their willingness to put themselves in the shop window.

"The players have that choice. I had a conversation with Josh who is obviously in the same situation as Corry,” he explained.

"I said, 'Look, if it's an issue for you, I fully understand that', but both players were very keen to come and be involved and play.

"It's never easy, that situation.

"For those lads in particular, Josh has maybe been in it, but I don't think Corry has been in this position before in his career.

"It's an uncertain time but they're both at an age and point in their career where they've their experience to deal with it and what this gives them is a bit of an opportunity.

"People can see that they're still involved at international level and hopefully if people pick up the phone to me over the summer and ask me how they are, I'm able to say they're in good shape, they've a lot to offer and they get themselves something which is right for them and gives them the opportunity to continue to play with us."