Having ended an otherwise disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a high note when beating Denmark at Windsor Park 12 months ago, Michael O’Neill’s side carried that momentum into this year.
An away win in Scotland followed by a credible draw in Romania showed signs of the solidity that was such a cornerstone of the former Stoke City manager’s first spell in charge of his country.
A 5-1 hammering at the hands in Spain looked less of a concern when their swashbuckling opponents went on to win the Euros, while a 2-0 win over Andorra provided another example of Conor Bradley’s star quality.
Friendly performances will always come with something of an asterisk however, and while the Nations League will never carry the same importance as qualifiers, O’Neill will have been keen to see his promising squad deliver in competitive action.
When the immediate frustration of turning what should have been a win into a draw on Monday night subsided, he was able to reflect on a campaign that represents a step forward for a side that are simultaneously showing progress while still having plenty of room to grow.
“To be able to top the group and be able to do that is testament to the players really, testament to their application,” he said.
“I’m delighted with the group that we have. They have to continue to work and push, but this will still be a young group in two or three years time and the exciting thing is we’re looking like a good team at this moment in time.”
