The star of Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles continued to rise in Bergamo on Tuesday night despite Northern Ireland’s heartbreak exit from World Cup qualification.

The talented youngster collected his ninth cap for his country, making five saves to keep Italy within reach. The hosts came out 2-0 winners to set up a final qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina next week - while Michael O’Neill’s side face the ignominy of a friendly against fellow crash-outs Wales.

A free summer looks set to feature Charles among the headlines back home, however. The 20-year-old stopper is a coveted individual and was set to leave Wednesday in January before a shoulder injury stopped a departure - most likely to French club Strasbourg. Those suitors remain for a player who now has a season of Championship experience to add to his immense potential and rare skillset. Sheffield Wednesday’s incoming owners may well have a decision to make.

A further injury to his opposite shoulder kept him out for several weeks and could feasibly stand to colour the level of interest in him - though he will remain a major target for many clubs. With his contract - signed at a time he was a prospect back-up option and long before his star had risen so sharply - set to expire in the summer of 2027 the hope would be that Wednesday can secure him to a new deal. The cold reality of the matter as it stands is that the fate of player and club are moving in very different trajectories.

Failure to nail him to fresh terms would leave a heavy decision for the club’s new owners. Throughout Dejphon Chansiri’s time at the club, Wednesday were criticised for its mismanagement in buying and selling players as others clubs have and Charles without doubt represents the most saleable asset the club have to work with. The timing of any sale would be important; this summer his value is protected, next January would bring pressure in that it would be the last saloon for a sale and next summer - short of a new contract - he walks away for nothing.

Throw in the PR aspect and it adds up to a difficult call for whoever takes the club .

“The saves that he made at key moments, but his [Pierce's] decision making was excellent,” Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill said following their defeat in Italy. “He doesn't bring any pressure on to his back three, which I think is rare in a goalkeeper of that age. He's got a brilliant temperament. There were great performances all over the pitch tonight, but Pierce in particular had a very strong performance.”