Stuart Dallas highlights Isaac Price as a key player for Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualification campaign. Price’s goal-scoring ability and recent form with West Brom make him a player to watch. Dallas also discusses the goalkeeping situation and the team’s preparation for the upcoming match against Luxembourg.
As Northern Ireland embarks on its journey to the 2026 World Cup, the excitement is palpable. Every qualification campaign brims with hope and ambition, coupled with the immense pressure to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Among the players to watch, Isaac Price stands out as a potential game-changer, according to former Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas.
"There's always a great level of excitement at the start of a new qualification campaign," Dallas noted. "Every bid to reach a major tournament starts with hope, and there is also that pressure to try and reach the sport's biggest stage."
Price, despite being only 21, has already become a pivotal figure under manager Michael O'Neill. His knack for being in the right place at the right time in front of goal makes him a constant threat. Dallas believes that Price's continued improvement is a thrilling prospect for Northern Ireland.
"One player I am really looking forward to watching in that environment is Isaac Price," Dallas stated. "He may only be 21 but he has already become such a big player under Michael O'Neill, and he has made a habit of being in the right place at the right time in front of goal. He is already a terrific footballer but there's still improvement in him - and that's really exciting because he will keep getting better."
Dallas, a BBC Sport NI columnist, has closely followed Price's career, highlighting his impressive performances in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion. Price's decision to move to Standard Liege in Belgium after leaving Everton was a bold move that paid off, showcasing his determination and talent. His return to England has only solidified his status as a player to watch.
"I've watched Isaac in the Championship for West Brom and he's started the season really well," Dallas commented. "He's a big part of this side and Michael's plans. He's an exciting talent. He's gone a different way to most players. When he left Everton he took a huge gamble in going to Standard Liege in Belgium, but he's backed himself and done well. He is now back in England at West Brom and he's been fantastic since moving to the Hawthorns."
Dallas emphasized the importance of a consistent goalscorer in international football, drawing parallels to Kyle Lafferty's impact during Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 qualification campaign. Price's ability to drift in and out of games while maintaining a constant goal-scoring threat is invaluable.
"It's so important to find a regular goalscorer in international football," Dallas explained. "When we qualified for Euro 2016 we had Kyle Lafferty, who looked like he would score every game. Isaac is doing really well at the minute and hopefully can make a similar impact in this campaign."
Regarding the goalkeeping situation, with injuries to key players like Pierce Charles and Daniel Ballard, Dallas acknowledged the challenges faced by manager Michael O'Neill. While Pierce Charles's absence is a concern, Dallas expressed confidence in Bailey Peacock-Farrell's ability to step up and perform well. The tactical approach may need adjustments based on the available personnel.
"There have been a few injury concerns, such as Pierce Charles and Daniel Ballard, and I'm sure Michael was watching the final set of league matches before the international break from behind the sofa, hoping everyone would come through unscathed," Dallas said. "Missing key players is always a blow, and it's not ideal for Michael. The goalkeeping situation is a problem for him now Pierce is out, and Conor Hazard is still sidelined. It all depends on how Michael wants to play. Different games require different personnel."
Dallas added, "We know what Pierce brings with his ability with the ball at his feet, but he's maybe a bit smaller than a Bailey Peacock-Farrell for example. Playing against Luxembourg is different than playing against Germany. He might want to get everyone up the pitch and kick it long. I don't think it will disrupt the team too much, it just might change things in terms of how Michael wants to play. There are goalkeepers there who are more than capable of stepping in. Bailey has represented Northern Ireland a lot of times. If Michael does go with him then he's more than capable of being a good replacement."
With the stage set for the World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on Isaac Price and the Northern Ireland squad as they aim to make their mark on the world stage. The match against Luxembourg on Thursday, 4 September, promises to be an exciting start to their campaign.
"Stuart Dallas was speaking to BBC Sport NI's Jonathan Bradley
Watch Northern Ireland v Luxembourg on Thursday, 4 September at 19:30 BST on BBC iPlayer, BBC Three, BBC Two NI; listen on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster and follow live text and in-play clips on BBC Sport website and app.