Northern Ireland midfielder Paddy Kelly is aiming to establish himself in Michael O’Neill’s team after a breakthrough season with Barnsley. The 21-year-old’s regular club football, vice-captaincy and first international goal have strengthened his prospects as Northern Ireland begin a demanding Nations League campaign.

Kelly has won four caps since making his debut in November and scored in June’s 3-1 friendly defeat by France. Northern Ireland will face Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine across four matches in a short period, but Kelly believes the squad’s young players can handle the travel and recovery demands, drawing on their experience of congested club schedules.