Northern Ireland midfielder Ethan Galbraith predicts “the future is bright” despite suffering a devastating World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Italy.

Galbraith, who plays for Swansea City in the Championship, impressed in midfield against a star-studded Italian line-up which included Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan.

The 24-year-old was only earning international cap number 13 on Thursday night in Bergamo after firmly establishing his place in O’Neill’s side during the qualifying campaign.

Alongside Shea Charles and Ali McCann, Galbraith will likely form a crucial part of Northern Ireland’s midfield in the coming years as they turn their sights to qualifying for the 2028 European Championships before another tilt at the World Cup in 2030.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland's Ethan Galbraith (right) appears dejected after defeat following the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Play-off Semi-final match at the New Balance Arena. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Galbraith, and his Northern Ireland team-mates, held their own for large periods of the match against a team sitting 57 places higher in FIFA’s world rankings, and the former Manchester United youngster remains excited for the future.

"I thought our shape for most of the game was excellent,” Galbraith told BBC. “We left everything out there, so I am proud of the lads

"When you come against elite players sometimes, they do a bit of magic like they have done. We are disappointed but all proud of the performance.

"It is a very young group, so the future is bright from the lads.

"From when we started playing to now, I think you nailed it on the head, we have come a long way."