Northern Ireland vs Belarus: Ali McCann excited by 'fearless' youngsters coming through

Ali McCann believes Northern Ireland's "fearless" bunch of youngsters can catapult the team to new heights.

The emergence of talent such as Conor Bradley, Shea Charles, Trai Hume and Brodie Spencer has breathed fresh optimism into the Green and White Army.

t is a welcome tonic following the high-profile retirements of legends including Steven Davis, Jonny Evans and Stuart Dallas.

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At 24 years of age and 26 caps under his belt, McCann has become one of Northern Ireland's elder statesmen, offering a comforting shoulder for the youngsters coming through.

Not that they need any reassurance.

"The young lads just bounce around the place. They enjoy being here and there is a fearlessness," McCann says.

"They are not afraid to make mistakes, and the athleticism they have is unbelievable Paired with the quality, it is huge for us. It is an asset that can help us win games."

Asked if he recalls being as fearless when he made his debut four years ago against Austria, McCann joked: "Not quite like that. It was a bit different when I came in. I was really young and there weren't that many young players in the squad.

"I think it helps that there are so many young players in the current squad and they have known each other since Under 17, 19 and 21 level. They are great lads and have all bedded in really well.

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"They are lovely lads and good players to go with it, so it has been easy to bed them in."

McCann insists it is up to other squad members to take responsibility following the departures of Davis, Evans and Dallas who amassed a huge 309 caps between them.

"It is weird. Those three were probably the main three guys when I came in. When I first came in they were the ones I took inspiration from," McCann said.

"But Davo is still involved with the squad, Stuarty floats around a bit and Jonny has only really retired recently. So it has been gradual and not all at once.

"But it is different. Other players have to take responsibility, but it is going well so far."

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