Northern Ireland ascendancy: top five future football stars

With rumours of a new bumper contract heading McNair’s way at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal’s faith in the youngster may see him earn a senior Northern Ireland call-up before too long.

Left Back – Shane Ferguson (Newcastle United)
Despite facing signifcant hurdles to his progress at St James’ Park, with the likes of Davide Santon and Paul Dummett ahead of him in the pecking order, Ferguson remains an O’Neill favourite.

Impressive spells on loan at Birmingham City during 2013 and earlier this year saw the attack-minded and versatile 23-year-old force his way into the Northern Ireland first XI. Ferguson has built on what O’Neill described as “90 minutes of the really highest quality” against Russia in 2013, to be a key component in his nation’s Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, with one assist in two caps so far this term.

Midfield – Oliver Norwood (Reading)
Norwood has been one of the stars of Northern Ireland’s most successful ever starts to a qualifying campaign, providing assists from set pieces in both important wins against the Faroes Islands and Greece.

The former Red Devils academy product is Burnley-born, qualifying for the Green and White army through his heritage, but is still yet to break his duck for his adopted country.

Despite failing to make the grade at Old Trafford, Norwood’s performances for Huddersfield Town earned him a summer switch to Championship rivals Reading. At just 23, however, there is still more to come from the midfield schemer.

Striker – Will Grigg (MK Dons)
Another English-born star, forward Grigg is currently plying his trade in League One. Following a disappointing spell at Brentford, the 23-year-old has finally found his form on loan with the Dons, netting four in nine appearances.

Grigg hit the headlines with a Man of the Match performance and brilliant brace in MK Dons’ most famous giant-killing. After playing an integral role in Man United’s Capital One Cup downfall, Grigg has enjoyed another chance at international level, but is yet to net for O’Neill’s men.