Michael O'Neill insists Northern Ireland star 'ready for the top level' after France display

Charles, who has been linked with transfer interest from Premier League giants Manchester United, provided an assist for Patrick Kelly’s first senior Northern Ireland goal and was once again an influential presence in O’Neill’s side.

The 22-year-old has already racked up 35 international caps and developed into a crucial player for his country in recent years.

Having previously shone in defeats to established powerhouses Germany and Italy, Charles once again stepped up in Lille as Northern Ireland were defeated 3-1 by the hosts in their final match before travelling to the World Cup.

With a host of clubs reportedly ready to make a move for Southampton star Charles this summer, O’Neill has no doubts the former Manchester City youngster has what it takes to perform at the highest level.

"We’re playing against a team that are starting with £100million players and bringing on £150million players,” said O’Neill. “It’s a huge task but I thought the boys were brilliant.

"Shea again demonstrated that he’s ready for the game at this level, he’s ready for the top level of the game in my opinion, and I thought Paddy was terrific in the game.

"The one thing I said to the players was that they had to be brave in many aspects of the game, but be brave in terms of not being intimidated by the opposition and the reputation of the opposition, and Paddy certainly wasn’t.

"He was in the game from minute one, he showed great technical level but also strength, running, staying on the ball when he had to and I am delighted for him because he put in a great shift.”

O’Neill was without a number of key players for this month’s international window, which also included a victory over Guinea in Spain, including Liverpool’s Conor Bradley and Sunderland defender Dan Ballard.

The Northern Ireland chief feels his side are moving in the right direction and insists the future is bright as his young squad continue to gain crucial experience.

"Friendly games are always a little different but the team is going in the right direction,” added O’Neill. “It’s very, very young.

"It can easily be weakened if we have injuries, even five or six players we’re missing on this trip would have given us more options off the bench which we didn’t have, especially in defensive areas with Eoin Toal, Dan Ballard, Conor Bradley, Paddy McNair, Terry Devlin – that’s a lot to go without.

"Those are all situations that going forward, if the squad can stay healthy and stay fit and we add that bit of depth, we have a positive future ahead of us.”