The ‘manager’s dream’ who has put NI one game from history

Northern Ireland beat Ukraine thanks to Terry Devlin’s 68th-minute goal, giving them a first home goal and win of their Nations League campaign. The result puts promotion to League A within reach: a draw or better away to Hungary would secure it, marking the country’s first promotion to the top tier.

The 23-year-old Portsmouth defender scored his first international goal after Northern Ireland had a first-half effort ruled out for offside. Manager Michael O’Neill praised Devlin’s versatility and consistency, while goalkeeper Pierce Charles made a late reflex save and has helped keep five clean sheets across 466 minutes without conceding. Northern Ireland are guaranteed at least a promotion play-off, and back-to-back promotions would be a major turnaround after only one win in 16 previous League B matches; O’Neill and striker Jamie Donley also picked up yellow cards.