The summer transfer window has again been a busy one for O’Neill’s squad with a number of players making moves either on a permanent or loan basis.
Justin Devenny’s Stoke career got off to a flying start with a double on his first start since his switch from Crystal Palace. A natural left-footer, he has given NI balance as a wing-back since his debut in June 2025.
A versatile player, Devenny has been turning out as a central midfielder for the Potters and could be one to fill the void left by McCann, as he did in the World Cup play-off defeat by Italy in March.
Oxford United’s Brodie Spencer, if he is not needed to replace Bradley on the right, would then be an option to step into the left-wing back role.
Deploying Devenny’s new club-mate Ethan Galbraith in a deeper midfield role is another option, one with the added benefit of getting the former Swansea City player on the ball with more frequency.
With Isaac Price sure to fill one of the more advanced midfield positions, using Galbraith elsewhere would then leave O’Neill with a decision to make regarding the slot beside the West Brom man.
Jamie Donley has started as a centre-forward in the side’s past five games, scoring against Luxembourg and Wales since first being deployed as a nine, and it feels unlikely he would be moved into a deeper role now.
Patrick Kelly and Callum Marshall are options, but could O’Neill be tempted to throw an exciting but unproven attacking talent in at the deep end?
Liverpool’s Kieran Morrison, spending the season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, Arsenal’s Ceadach O’Neill and Braiden Graham of Everton, were all part of the squad in June with the former pair making their international bow in the friendly victory over Guinea.
O’Neill, who drew praise from Mikel Arteta during pre-season, also appeared off the bench against France four days later.
While competitive internationals would be a step up, Michael O’Neill has never been shy to give young players an opportunity before they have established themselves fully at club level.