5 talking points ahead of Northern Ireland’s Nations League clash with Cyprus

Northern Ireland continue their Nations League campaign on Sunday with a fixture against Cyprus in Larnaca.

Coming on the back of Thursday’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Greece, Ian Baraclough’s side need to produce a response.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the key talking points around the game.

Stuck on repeat

Northern Ireland v Greece – UEFA Nations League – Group 2 – Windsor Park — Ian Baraclough is still seeking a first Nations League victory (Brian Lawless/PA)

Senior servants

? Double sub! Kyle Lafferty and @nmcginn10 are on for Shayne Lavery and Conor Bradley #GAWA #NorthernIreland

— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 2, 2022

Shea Charles became the 11th player handed his senior debut by Baraclough when he came on for the last 11 minutes of Thursday’s match. But as much work as Baraclough has done to blood the next generation, it was the introduction of 34-year-olds Kyle Lafferty and Niall McGinn just after the hour that did the most to offer Northern Ireland a route back into the match. Baraclough knows he still needs his experienced players and will no doubt be leaning on them to help turn results around.