By:
Conor Martin
Northern Ireland’s Ronan Hale is hoping to become a regular feature in Michael O’Neill’s plans after making his debut on Tuesday night.
Hales made the switch to play for Northern Ireland in early 2025 after playing for the Republic of Ireland at U19 and U21 level.
Hale impressed in Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over Iceland at Windsor Park. He was unlucky not to find the net after rattling the crossbar in the first-half. He had another chance in the second-half after rounding the keeper, but was unable to make the chance count with a goal.
The former St. Patrick’s Athletic man, Hale, has been named in both of O’Neill’s squads this year.
Ross County’s Hale has impressed this season at club level, and there are rumours that several English clubs are interested in him.
But on the international stage, he has had to be patient and wait for the chance to impress, which he did on Tuesday evening.
Ronan Hale reflects on debut
Reflecting on his goal chances on debut, Hale said:
“The first chance, I think I hit it too well,” Hale said. “Obviously, if you trickle it in it might go under the keeper or whatever. Then the second one, I’ve just tried to take it around him, and the touch isn’t there.
“I would be annoyed at myself if I wasn’t in for those chances. It’s one that I can build on and hopefully take into the group stage.”
Hale ‘must be performing every week’
GAWA manager O’Neill hasn’t yet recognised his best striker. And Hale added he knows what he needs to do to become a regular starter.
“I’ve done what I can, but then again, it’s all down to club level as well.”I need to be performing every week.
“Obviously there’s a tough pool of strikers there that are all competing for that number in the squad. It’s an exciting one, but it’s one we’re all looking forward to.”
O’Neill believes Hale has given himself ‘a chance going forward’
O’Neill was impressed by Hale, who made a slow start to the game. But he grew into it ahead of the aforementioned goal chances he had.
The Northern Ireland manager is in his second spell in charge of his nation and believes Hale’s performances have given him a solid chance to feature regularly.
“I thought the first part of the game was tricky for him, but he grew into the game.
“Certainly, he had some good passages of link-up. He had a nice little chance where he nicked one off the goalkeeper, and he was a little bit unlucky. I thought he showed up well.
“It’s always difficult for the striker in the early part of the game if the team’s not playing particularly well. But I was pleased for him. I think he showed up well, and he obviously has given himself a chance going forward.”
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