Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles started in goal for Northern Ireland on Friday night, helping his nation to a 2-0 win over Belarus.
Pierce Charles is yet to feature for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship. Despite that, he’s making a hue impression on the international stage with Northern Ireland.
He and brother Shea both started for Michael O’Neill’s side against Belarus in the Nations League on Friday, with Shea grabbing an assist as Northern Ireland won 2-0.
Pierce started in goal, keeping his spot ahead of former Owls loan man Bailey Peacock-Farrell despite the latter now being fit-again.
Owls academy gem Charles has now featured three times for the Northern Ireland senior team despite being just 19 years old, having also played every Carabao Cup game for the Owls this season.
Sheffield Wednesday fans criticised James Beadle after the defeat against Sheffield United last time, with growing cries for Charles to be given his chance in the Championship.
Pierce Charles sets Northern Ireland clean sheet record after Belarus win
In his three games for Northern Ireland’s senior team so far, Charles has kept three clean sheets.
The youngster has become the first Northern Ireland goalkeeper to keep three-straight clean sheets on the international stage since Michael McGovern did so in 2017.
Charles though had a pretty easy night against Belarus. Northern Ireland’s media had their say on Charles and on Shea as well, writing that Charles had very little to do on the night.
Still, it’s another clean sheet for Charles, who continues to give Rohl some food for thought with regards to the no.1 spot at Hillsborough.
Can Brighton recall James Beadle from Sheffield Wednesday in January?
Sheffield Wednesday re-signed Beadle on loan from Brighton during the summer, bringing him back on a season-long loan deal after his impressive stint on loan in the second half of last season.
Inevitably, there’s a recall clause. The Star revealed soon after the deal was confirmed that Brighton do have a January recall clause for the England U21 man, but stressed that both clubs want Beadle to see out the season at Wednesday.
So for Charles, earning a starting spot in the league anytime soon seems unlikely. It might only happen if Beadle becomes really out of form or if the Owls get towards the end of the season and are comfortable in the table.
Charles is no doubt being eyed for the no.1 spot next season. All he can do is keep on shining for Northern Ireland, and do the same when called upon by Wednesday, likely in the FA Cup next.