Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles called up for huge World Cup play-off clash
Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper Pierce Charles is dreaming of representing Northern Ireland at this summer’s World Cup.
Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles has been included in Northern Ireland’s 28-man squad for their massive FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final showdown against Italy later this month.
The Owls shot-stopper recently returned from a two-month spell on the sidelines because of a shoulder injury and has started each of Wednesday’s last three matches.
The former Manchester City youngster, 20, will now be hoping to help Northern Ireland achieve the dream of reaching their first World Cup since 1986. He has been named in Michael O’Neill’s squad alongside his brother and former Wednesday loanee Shea Charles.
Northern Ireland qualified for the play-offs because of their performance in the most recent UEFA Nations League campaign, meaning they must overcome Italy in a one-legged play-off semi-final in Bergamo on March 26 to move within one win of qualifying for the World Cup.
Should they get the better of the four-time World Cup winners, they will take on either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final for a shot at qualifying for their first World Cup in 40 years. Wales and Bosnia go head-to-head in their respective semi-final on the same evening as Northern Ireland take on Italy.
Charles’ World Cup dream is still alive
Although Northern Ireland finished third in Group A during qualifying, finishing behind Germany and Slovakia, O’Neill’s side offered some very encouraging performances, twice pushing Germany every step of the way. They will now compete in play-off Path A to try and reach the World Cup.
Alongside the Charles brothers, former Wednesday loanee Bailey Peacock-Farrell has also made the cut. Charles and Peacock-Farrell are two of four goalkeepers to have been included in the squad.
Should Northern Ireland beat Italy and progress to the play-off final, they will face the winner of the clash between Wales and Bosnia away from home on March 31.
Addressing his dream of representing his country at the World Cup, Charles, speaking to The Star back in October, said: "That is the biggest dream; me and Shea talk about it all the time. That is the target, I suppose, with the possibility of the play-offs in March if we don't go through automatically. It is a big focus of mine and I can't wait.
"You don't go much prouder moments than that [playing at a World Cup with your brother]. It would be a once in a lifetime moment and something I would cherish forever."