Current NI Squad - 7th March 2023

Spot on. 

That's a fair comment i think. He's only 27 too insee. Thought he was older.

McNair's a very useful player. Technically sound, versatile and a good set piece-taker. I always thought he would have made a good signing at a smaller/newly-promoted  PL team like a Burnley, or similar, and has obviously played at that level before. He'd easily improve our midfield options. And of course he'd get into our squad.

As far as the debate over comparative squad strengths is concerned, as well as Johnny Evans, Steve Davis and Stuart Dallas, NI are also missing Corey Evans, Ally McCann, Liam Boyce and Shane Lavery, who are all important players for them, and would make their squad look significantly stronger.

I suspect NI fans might look at our squad, too, and find themselves a little less than impressed.

Jason Knight, for example, has spent much of this season as an auxiliary right back/ utility player at his League One club, yet is probably a nailed-on starter for us in a crucial midfield role for the France game. You can look at some of the names in the North's squad and question its quality but the likes of McClean, Hendrick, McGrath and Keane etc aren't exactly stellar names themselves.

I agree with the previous poster. In reality, whilst our squad may look a little stronger on paper, O'Neill's return immediately makes them a far more formidable proposition, because having a competent, capable coach in charge, as NI now have, makes a huge difference at this level. And it wouldn't surprise me at all if they outperformed Kenny's Ireland over the coming qualification campaign. In fact I fully expect them to do so.

How many centre backs do we need though? We have 4 already and Coleman can fill in if needed. Is there any point in centre backs sitting on the bench.

Dont over think it. Hes played there loads of times for N.Ireland. not sure how many but numerous.