Isaac Price said the Northern Ireland camp is buzzing after Michael O'Neill signed a new deal to stay in charge until 2032, announced on Tuesday. The 22‑year‑old midfielder praised the manager’s decision, noting O’Neill turned down a permanent role at Blackburn Rovers despite steering the club to safety while serving as interim boss and provides a clear roadmap for the next decade.

O’Neill will now lead the side into back‑to‑back friendlies against Guinea on Thursday and France on Monday, 8 June, before the Nations League campaign begins in September. Price recalled that O’Neill gave him his senior debut in 2023 while he was still a teenager, a move the young midfielder says shaped his career. Price believes the experience against France will test the squad’s progress.

The squad, described by Price as a “good group” of young talent, appears eager to build on O’Neill’s continuity. With the manager’s future secured, Northern Ireland can focus on tightening the unit ahead of competitive fixtures, aiming to improve their Nations League standing and earn a playoff spot for Euro 2028. The continuity also reassures the younger players, who see a long‑term plan under O’Neill’s guidance.