Northern Ireland boss O'Neill 'hopeful' training centre plans progress
September 2, 2026 18:32
WHAT HAPPENED
The IFA announced in February 2025 that it planned a "state-of-the-art" centre next to the Galgorm Resort, just outside Ballymena, promising "world-class pitches and cutting-edge training facilities." The association reiterated its desire to proceed last month but said it hoped to "mitigate concerns where possible" after objections from local residents.
O'Neill, who grew up in Ballymena, said the centre would be important for player development and could benefit the town. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, O'Neill said a national training centre would support player development from a young age, including the senior, youth and women's teams.
O'Neill said he remained hopeful the project would progress, although the final decision was not his to make. He also believes the facility could benefit Ballymena.
BRADLEY UPDATE AND NATIONS LEAGUE
O'Neill also provided an update on Liverpool right back Conor Bradley, who injured his knee in Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Arsenal in January. The manager does not expect Bradley to feature in Northern Ireland's upcoming Nations League campaign and suggested a more realistic return for his country could be the March 2027 international break.
O'Neill said Bradley was making progress in his recovery but that his knee injury required careful management. He indicated that a return before Christmas would be a bonus, with March 2027 a more realistic target for international duty.
Northern Ireland are in Group B2 of the Nations League alongside Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine, with six games scheduled across September, October and November.