Northern Ireland: Could promising 2024 lead to even bigger ’25 for Michael O’Neill’s side

During 2024, Steven Davis and Jonny Evans, first and fourth on the Northern Ireland men’s team’s all-time appearance list, hung up their boots, although the latter continues to play on for his club Manchester United.

In addition Stuart Dallas, another key player and one of the few in the squad with significant Premier League experience, was forced to retire through injury aged only 32.

In their stead, a new leadership group has emerged, one that will be expected to grow considerably over the next 12 months.

Liverpool’s Conor Bradley enjoyed a banner year in 2024, from his breakout performance against Chelsea in January through to his viral tackle on Kylian Mbappe in November.

In between those stand-out moments for his club, the 21-year-old scored a first goal for his country in the win over Scotland – followed by three more across the calendar year – and donned the captain’s armband in two of the six games following Evans’ retirement.

The role of skipper would be rotated through a successful Nations League campaign with Trai Hume and Shea Charles also getting their turn as Northern Ireland topped a group that also contained Bulgaria, Belarus and Luxembourg.

That young trio look key to Northern Ireland’s success in 2025 and beyond but there will be interest over which, if any, are made captain on a more regular basis this year.