Northern Ireland star frustrated after feeling 'not at the levels' Italy 'were there for the taking'
Northern Ireland defender Paddy McNair expressed his frustration after feeling Italy “were there for the taking” during their World Cup play-off semi-final defeat in Bergamo.
McNair, the sole survivor in the starting line-up at the New Balance Arena from Northern Ireland’s last trip to a major tournament in 2016, provided a source of experience in a squad packed full of young, exciting talent.
The 30-year-old marshalled a defence which included 20-year-old Ruairi McConville and 24-year-old Trai Hume, who was captain on the night.
McNair and his team-mates stood up to the task against a star-studded Italian squad for large periods, but a moment of quality from Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali put the hosts ahead after 56 minutes.
Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream was ended in the closing stages when Moise Kean added a second, but McNair was left with a feeling of what could have been.
"It is frustrating, I feel like they were there for the taking,” he said on BBC. "I know Italy is a big nation.
"I have played against a lot of big nations before and I think, at the minute, they are not at the levels they once were, so it’s frustrating.
"It is gutting to be honest. As I have said before, I thought they were there for the taking but we just didn't do enough."
McNair has been involved in Northern Ireland’s senior squad since 2015 and is working his way towards the 100-cap milestone – only four players have achieved that feat.
The former Manchester United ace is still only aged 30 and quickly dismissed any notion he wouldn’t return for another World Cup campaign, adding: “Of course (I’ll be back), I am only 30!”