Former Northern Ireland defender Craig Cathcart believes an exciting young squad are capable of qualifying for the 2028 European Championships – especially after receiving a “big boost” with manager Michael O’Neill remaining in his position.

Cathcart was part of the last Northern Ireland panel to reach a major tournament, starting all four matches at the 2016 Euros, including a famous win over Ukraine in Lyon.

Paddy McNair and Josh Magennis are the only players from that golden crop still playing on the international stage with O’Neill bringing through a talented new generation looking to achieve a similar feat.

Northern Ireland missed out on World Cup qualification following a 2-0 play-off semi-final defeat to Italy, but will have another chance ahead of the 2028 Euros, which is being hosted by the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill with Craig Cathcart in March 2023. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)

Former Manchester United centre-back Cathcart has been impressed by progression in recent years and feels the current squad will continue to improve with O’Neill sticking around after rejecting an offer from Blackburn Rovers.

"He has gone to Blackburn and done a great job there, but I think it makes sense for him to stay,” said Cathcart. “He has a young group that are only going to get better and they’ve performed really well over the last couple of years.

"They’ve had some amazing performances recently and they’re only getting better. They were unfortunate against Italy, I thought they performed well and it was a close game overall.

"There are definitely positives to take. It’s a big boost for everybody (that Michael is staying).

"I’m sure all the players will be buzzing that Michael is staying and I’m sure Michael will be happy too because he will have seen a lot of progress – he will have belief in the squad and what they’re trying to achieve going forward.

"Absolutely (they can qualify for Euro 2028). Over the last few campaigns we’ve been in and around the play-offs so it shows the progress being made that we’re always fighting to get into competitions.

"The team is really young and all starting to play regularly at their clubs. It bodes well for the future and there have been some brilliant performances over the last couple of years. The more they mature, the better they’re going to get.”

Cathcart amassed 73 caps for Northern Ireland across his 13-year international career with a majority coming under O’Neill’s management.

The 37-year-old admits he loved working with O’Neill and feels it’s a huge positive that he will be staying with the nation.

"It was brilliant working with Michael,” he added. “He got the best out of every player that went to play for Northern Ireland.

"He set the team up really well tactically and he’s a good man-manager. He knew when to give the lads a break and I have nothing but positive things to say about Michael.

"He’s the right man for the job, I think everybody would agree with that, and he has invested a lot into the team. It would have been a big loss, but I’m sure everybody is delighted that he will be there for the next few campaigns.”