Northern Ireland’s rising star Isaac Price says the attacking freedom given by manager Michael O’Neill has completely changed his approach to the game. The 22-year-old West Bromwich Albion midfielder has turned into one of Northern Ireland’s most consistent scorers, netting 10 goals in 26 matches, including a brilliant hat-trick against Bulgaria in the Nations League at Windsor Park in October 2024.
“If you look at my career before [I played for] Northern Ireland I didn’t score many goals at all,” Price told BBC Sport NI.
“I had 18 months or so where I only scored one goal and I probably played a little bit deeper and probably didn’t believe that I had the goals in me.
“Michael told me he thought I’m an attacking threat, I should get in the box and then I had 12 months where the ball wouldn’t stop going into the net.
“I think it’s the freedom that the manager gives me. I’m in a position where I’m always in and around the box and I get a lot of chances.”
Northern Ireland Eye Play-Offs in Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
As Northern Ireland chase a World Cup 2026 berth, they prepare for two decisive qualifiers — away to Slovakia on Friday and at home to Luxembourg on Monday. Securing second place would guarantee a play-off spot next March.
Despite several absences, including Ethan Galbraith, Brodie Spencer, Shea Charles, and Ali McCann, the team remains confident under O’Neill.
“Two really important games for us. We’re coming in a few bodies down from previous camps and they’re a big miss for us but it’s a great opportunity for other players to step up,” added the former Everton and Standard Liege player.
“They’ve been key players for us over the past 18 months to a year and they’re all doing really well at club level and when they come here they look even better.
“We know we’ve got a tough test ahead in Slovakia. They have quality and we beat them 2-0 at home so we know they’ll be looking for some revenge.”
Settling Into a Young and Confident Northern Ireland Squad
Price made his international debut in March 2023 against San Marino and says the atmosphere within the squad made his transition smooth. He credits the team’s unity and consistent style of play for creating confidence among the younger players.
“It’s a little bit nerve-racking when you’re young. You maybe haven’t been around these environments before but it pushes your career on and it’s easy to settle into this team, it’s quite a young team. I think it’s just a great group of lads in general.
“The way we want to play is pretty clear. There’s been a consistency in the way we’ve played since I’ve been here.”
Price Confident Northern Ireland Can Reach the Next Level
After a year of steady progress, Isaac Price believes the current Northern Ireland squad is ready to take the next big step and qualify for major tournaments.
“There’s a confidence and an eagerness and belief that we’re good enough to play in those tournaments and after the past six to 12 months there’s probably a bit of an expectation on us now.
“Some people on the outside looking in probably didn’t think that we had the quality that we have but I think it’s good for us – the higher the expectation gets the better we’ll get.
“Everyone here believes we are good enough to go to a major tournament.”
Stay Updated for all the latest Sports News, follow Todaysmatchprediction on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
