Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles impresses in Northern Ireland's friendly win against Guinea
Pierce Charles is currently on international duty
Pierce Charles impressed in Northern Ireland’s 1-0 friendly win against Guinea.
The Owls stopper started alongside his brother and popular former Sheffield Wednesday loanee, Shea, in Spain on Thursday evening. The pair were part of a young side as manager Michael O’Neill, who had a spell in charge of Blackburn Rovers this season, used the game to cast his eyes over some fresh faces.
In a first-ever meeting between the two teams, Pierce played 45 minutes and kept a clean sheet, making two really good saves from Mohamed Toure and Ibrahima Bangoura. Tom Atcheson, of Blackburn Rovers, netted after just nine minutes on his first start when he met a cross from Isaac Price to make it 1-0. But a day to remember for Atcheson turned sour when he was sent off on 72 minutes for bringing down Abdoul Traore, although they still managed to secure victory.
Pierce, 20, has been linked with Rangers and Manchester City and has one year left on his Wednesday contract. He came through the ranks at City before signing his first professional contract at The Owls in 2022. The youngster suffered a couple of shoulder injuries last season but returned to finish the campaign between the sticks.
Wednesday will be keen to keep hold of him and tie him down to a longer contract. Performances like this will only increase interest in him but could also help drive up his price tag should he be sold.
Pierce will have another chance to showcase his talent when Northern Ireland play France on Monday as they prepare for the UEFA Nations League campaign in autumn when they will face Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia.