Northern Ireland can build on strong club form ahead of crucial Nations League fixtures

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill believes his squad's improved club form can provide a platform for progress as they prepare for two important Nations League matches against Ukraine and Hungary.

Several players have enjoyed positive moments since the previous international break. Goalkeeper Pierce Charles produced a remarkable double save to help Queens Park Rangers earn a point against West Ham, Isaac Price has continued to feature for West Bromwich Albion, while Terry Devlin scored twice for Portsmouth against Swansea City.

O'Neill will also be encouraged by the amount of playing time available to his squad. Excluding three uncapped players, the rest of his 24-man group have averaged more than 1,000 minutes of club football this season.

The manager hopes more of his players can eventually reach the Premier League, following the examples of Conor Bradley, Daniel Ballard, Trai Hume and Shea Charles. However, Bradley and Ballard are unavailable for the current international window through injury.

Jamie Donley is another player arriving with confidence after scoring three goals and providing two assists for Luton Town. His team-mate Callum Marshall has also scored four times in League One since joining the club from West Ham.

Northern Ireland face Ukraine on Saturday before taking on Hungary three days later.