An experimental side that had individual quality but a lack of team cohesion was the story of the match at Windsor Park on Thursday 5th September.

Micheal O’Neill had selected a starting XI that was a mix of experience as well as giving players that have been in the squad for the last while, some game time, as well as giving out a debut from the start for Ciaron Brown, who plays his football for Cardiff City.

Starting XI:

Peacock-Farrell, McLaughlin, Flanagan, Brown, Ferguson, Evans, Thompson, Saville, Whyte, Magennis, Lafferty

Subs: McGovern, Galbraith, Davis, Lavery, McCalmont, Donnelly

The opening 15 minutes were not great, sloppy passes, overhit balls and a lack of quality was the key talking points in the opening period of the match. Luxembourg looked lively at times but the Northern Ireland centre-backs, Flanagan and Brown had the lions share of possession. The first real chance of the game fell to Josh Magennis who went close.

The only goal of the match came in the 37th minute of the match, an own goal, thanks to Malget. The goal came after a good spell of pressure for the green and white army. A George Saville header at the far post was saved brilliantly by the Luxembourg keeper before pressure from Magennis resulted in Malget heading the ball into his own net, in such as way you would have expected it to be a Luxembourg goal.

• 

After the Northern Ireland fans bid farewell to record outfield cap holder, Aaron Hughes at half time, Northern Ireland were unchanged but performance levels needed to rise. The first Northern Ireland substitution came in the 60th minute, with Alfie McCalmont being given his International debut, after being promoted from the under 21’s along with Ciaron Brown, Bobby Burns and Ethan Galbraith just for this friendly, replaced George Saville. Shane Lavery also came on to win his second impact, replacing Kyle Lafferty. Lavery made a huge impact on the game, having two clear chances and was all over the Luxembourg defence, something that Lafferty was unable to achieve.

• 

Two penalty appeals were turned down in the 65th minute, before Corry Evans handed the armband to Josh Magennis as he was replaced by Liam Donnelly who was making his second appearance for Northern Ireland. Like Lavery, Liam was very impressive and helped to create a much needed spark. McGovern also made a return to the Windsor Park pitch, replacing Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Ethan Galbraith came on to make his international debut, replacing Gavin Whyte, while Steven Davis came on to equal Aaron Hughes record of 112 outfield caps, replacing Jordan Thompson.

• 

After three minutes of added time the referee blew the final whistle, putting an end of a youthful performance from Northern Ireland. The team will be much changed for the game against Germany, but with the younger players earning caps the future looks bright for the green and white army.