Former Northern Ireland youth manager Gerard Lyttle insists it’s crucial young players “take the right advice and get around the right people” as they weigh up their international futures – and believes Michael O’Neill’s current approach to selection should put the Irish FA in pole position.

During his time working within the JD Academy before taking on a joint-role as Northern Ireland’s U17 and U19 manager, Lyttle had to deal with a number of situations where multiple nations were battling for top talent.

Lyttle selected Jamie Donley, who was born in Antrim but represented both Northern Ireland and England at youth level before opting to pursue senior football with the former, for his U19 team in 2021.

The current Cliftonville assistant was also the first to call up Omari Kellyman to Northern Ireland’s U17s – the Aston Villa ace then played for Lyttle’s U18s before switching to his native England.

placeholder image — Gerard Lyttle served as manager of both Northern Ireland's U17s and U19s. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)

Premier League giants Chelsea paid £19million to sign Kellyman from Villa in 2024, but he hasn’t played international football in over two years.

Lyttle also worked with Shea Charles and Isaac Price – two players who were born in England but are now established senior stars for Northern Ireland.

The topic of international transfers has dominated headlines in recent months as Ceadach O’Neill opted to remain with Northern Ireland despite an approach from the Republic of Ireland while Conor Haughey is also reportedly of interest to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

Eoin Kenny – the son of former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen and another player Lyttle called up to represent Northern Ireland – was the latest young star included in O’Neill’s senior squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The battle for talent can place pressure on the shoulders of young stars – sometimes before they’ve even made senior club appearances – and Lyttle has highlighted the importance of listening to the correct sources with best intentions at heart.

"It's important these young lads take the right advice and get around the right people,” Lyttle told the News Letter. “Sometimes they can have the opposite effect and they can be badly advised and listen to the wrong people.

"What I'd say is I think Northern Ireland and the set-up from seniors down, U21s, U19s, they're getting things right.

"You only have to look at the amount of opportunities Michael has given to young players...if that's not a carrot for any young player, I don't know what will be.

"It’s kind of annoying when you hear some of these stories about young players contemplating going and playing for the Republic for whatever reason.

"I think they should look at what's happening at the minute with the current young players and how they've been involved in so many games at senior level.

"Listen, you can never stand in a young lad's way, all you can do is advise them...I had a few dealings with Jamie Donley and Omari Kellyman was another one.

"Eoin was a late bloomer, but he's developed brilliantly and it’s great to get him.”