Northern Ireland defender Brodie Spencer says he is looking forward to testing himself “against the best” when they take on Sweden in Tuesday’s friendly.
Michael O’Neill’s young side drew with Switzerland on Friday as their positive run of form continued.
After topping their Nations League group, Northern Ireland have now lost just two of their past 11 matches.
While Sporting striker Victor Gyokeres is expected to be out, Newcastle forward Alexander Isak is in a strong Swedish squad for the game in Stockholm.
“You want to play against the best, to test yourself and see where that puts you,” Spencer said on playing top-tier opponents.
“Being a young defender, to have that challenge so early in my career would be amazing.”
After Isaac Price’s superb opener was cancelled out by Vincent Sierro, the 20-year-old said Northern Ireland were “happy” with a draw against Switzerland but “we could have got a bit more out of the game”.
With Isak and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga leading the line, Sweden suffered a shock 1-0 defeat by Luxembourg on Friday.
Spencer believes the friendly, which will be the latest in preparation for the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying in September, will be “quite similar” to facing the Swiss.
“It will be a tough game and a game full of concentration,” said the Huddersfield Town right-back.
“It will be a game full of important moments, and hopefully we can go out and put on a good performance again.
“We knew we had to try and kick on from the Nations League. Being able to top the group was a great experience for us all.”
