Michael O’Neill says Northern Ireland will not be reckless with minutes before EFL run-in | OneFootball

Michael O’Neill says Northern Ireland will manage minutes sensibly ahead of key club run-ins, amid West Bromwich Albion concerns over Isaac Price.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the issue has surfaced before Tuesday’s friendly against Wales in Cardiff, after both nations lost World Cup play-offs last week, Northern Ireland to Italy and Wales to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Price, 22, is influential for Northern Ireland and a key figure for James Morrison’s improving Albion, who are battling Championship relegation alongside O’Neill’s Blackburn. The sides meet at Ewood Park next Monday. O’Neill said the camp understand club realities, will not be careless with players, and must still look after their own group.

The Blackburn head coach, on a deal until the end of the season and with two years left as national boss, added that EFL players are used to heavy workloads. Four squad members have already returned to their clubs following the play-off defeat.

Blackburn sit 19th, one place above Albion on goal difference before Good Friday’s resumption, with the Baggies four points clear of the drop. Price began brightly, then dipped, but has re-emerged under Morrison from the left flank. He created 12 chances in March, joint-most in the Championship with Ipswich full-back Leif Davis.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com