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Northern Ireland ratings as youngest XI since war come of age against Ukraine but one man rises above rest

They made it back-to-back away wins in this group, still yet to concede after their opening three matches

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 10:45 PM
Northern Ireland ratings as youngest XI since war come of age against Ukraine but one man rises above rest
Key Things to Know
  • Northern Ireland defeated Ukraine 3-0 with their youngest starting lineup since World War II.
  • Ciaron Brown earned the highest match rating with a 9 after scoring twice.
  • Isaac Price scored a first-half header during the victory in Slovakia.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Northern Ireland earned a decisive 3-0 victory against Ukraine in Slovakia to move clear at the top of Nations League Group B2. Michael O'Neill fielded Northern Ireland's youngest post-war starting lineup, featuring an average age of just 22, with every starter except 28-year-old Ciaron Brown aged 24 or younger.

Brown stood out by scoring his first two international goals, while Isaac Price netted a first-half header to secure back-to-back away victories. The result leaves Northern Ireland undefeated and yet to concede a goal through their opening three group matches.

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