Shea Charles was named in Northern Ireland’s starting line-up as they faced Bulgaria yesterday.
Despite only being 20 years old, the Sheffield Wednesday loanee has racked up 19 caps for his country since making his debut in June 2022.
Charles also started in their 2-0 win over Luxembourg last week and was heavily praised for his ‘tireless display’ by the media.
However, they haven’t been quite as impressed this time round, with the midfielder earning a 6/10 rating for his performance in Bulgaria.
Shea Charles was ‘poor’ in Bulgaria defeat
On Charles, Belfast Live wrote: “Another who got better as game went on but again found conditions tough.”
Meanwhile, Belfast Telegraph wrote: “Uncharacteristic poor distribution at times as the Ulstermen struggled to gain a foothold in Plovdiv. Booked in the first half. Improved after the break although this was far from his best international outing.”
The youngster racked up the third-most touches on the pitch (69) but only managed 66% passing accuracy. He also made one successful dribble, one tackle, one interception and one clearance.
It was a huge difference from the Luxembourg win, in which he enjoyed 91% passing accuracy, as well as making two key passes and two successful tackles.
The midfielder returns to Sheffield Wednesday with more minutes in his legs
Northern Ireland aren’t exactly world beaters so Wednesday shouldn’t be too fussed by Charles’ performance against Bulgaria, but his display last week does show exactly wha the is capable of.
The Man City academy product was thrown in at the deep end for the Owls last time out, but arguably needed minutes in the tank to regain full fitness after failing to make an appearance for Southampton this term.
Now that he’s picked up some game-time for both Wednesday and Northern Ireland, Danny Rohl will be hopeful that he can begin to get the best out of him.
Nathaniel Chalobah’s availability remains unclear, but Rohl will be eager to have both of them fresh and ready to compete for the No.6 role.
Wednesday’s midfield has struggled so far and it is clear that they need a strong, demanding No.6 to sit behind the likes of Svante Ingelsson and Barry Bannan.
Charles has been very highly-rated in his career so far and Wednesday could benefit massively if he can become a key member of the squad this season.