Northern Ireland Bolsters Squad with Uncapped Keeper McMullan Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
Uncapped goalkeeper Stephen McMullan earns Northern Ireland call-up as injury replacement for World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Germany, joining O’Neill’s revamped squad seeking first finals since 1986.
Northern Ireland Squad Revamp for World Cup Push
Michael O’Neill has turned to 20-year-old shot-stopper Stephen McMullan (Waterford FC, on loan from Fleetwood Town) to replace injured Sheffield Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles in Northern Ireland’s squad for September’s critical 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This marks McMullan’s first senior call-up despite previous inclusions in training squads.
Injury Crisis Forces Selection Shakeup
- Third-choice keeper Conor Hazard (Plymouth Argyle) remains sidelined
- McMullan joins Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Blackpool) and Luke Southwood (Bristol Rovers) in goalkeeping trio
- Charles ruled out with shoulder injury sustained in Championship match
McMullan’s Road to International Recognition
- Began career at Warrenpoint Town (2019-2022)
- 28 appearances for Waterford in 2025 League of Ireland season
- Previous loan spell at Welsh club Caernarfon Town (2023)
- Represented NI at U18, U19, and U21 levels
Tactical Preparations for Group Stage
| Northern Ireland face back-to-back challenges: | Date | Opponent | Venue | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Sept | Luxembourg | Away | BBC iPlayer | |
| 7 Sept | Germany | Cologne | BBC Two |
Key Squad Additions:
- Trai Hume (Sunderland): Defensive anchor with 87% tackle success rate
- Conor Bradley (Liverpool): Dynamic wing-back fresh from Premier League experience
- Dion Charles (Huddersfield): Leading Championship scorer with 14 goals
Historical Context
- Last World Cup appearance: Mexico 1986
- Current FIFA ranking: 62nd (UEFA 29th)
- O’Neill’s record: Guided NI to Euro 2016 knockout stages
Full 26-Man Squad Analysis
Defensive Line:
- Experience blend: Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) + Paddy McNair (San Diego FC)
- Rising star: Brodie Spencer (Oxford United) - 19 y/o with 7 caps
Midfield Engine:
- Veterans: George Saville (Luton Town) - 78 international appearances
- Youth movement: Shea Charles (Southampton) - 20 y/o midfield general
Attacking Options:
- Callum Marshall (West Ham): 19 y/o prospect with 5 goals in 7 U21 appearances
- Jamie Reid (Stevenage): League One’s second-top scorer (22 goals)
Tactical Preview
Northern Ireland likely to employ 5-4-1 formation against Germany, utilizing:
- Compact defensive blocks
- Rapid counter-attacks through Bradley/Spencer overlaps
- Set-piece specialization (Ballard: 6’3” aerial threat)
All matches available via BBC Sport digital platforms with live radio commentary on BBC Radio Ulster.
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