Michael O'Neill urges youngsters to stay with NI after win over Russia

Michael O'Neill urges talented young Northern Ireland-born players to stay with the country after his team's shock World Cup qualifier win over Russia.

A number of Northern Ireland-born players have opted to declare for the Republic of Ireland in recent years while Liverpool youngster Ryan McLaughlin has declared himself unavailable for international football in order to concentrate on his club career.

"There's a real opportunity for younger players to get a taste of international football (with Northern Ireland)," said O'Neill.

"The atmosphere in the stadium was absolutely fantastic last night. There was only 12,000 people there but the noise they made and the backing of the team was unbelievable.

"If you don't want to play in front of your own people in that kind of atmosphere, I think that's an issue for the player."