Young defensive duo powers Northern Ireland's Nations League run

Manager Michael O'Neill has relied on young defensive talents Ruairi McConville and Tom Atcheson during the current Nations League campaign due to injuries and positional shifts in the squad. Both players have stepped up significantly at the heart of the defence. Despite forced alterations, Northern Ireland enters its final group fixtures as the only team across any level of the competition yet to concede a goal. McConville and Atcheson continue to earn praise for their strong partnership and collective work-rate on the pitch.