Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has publicly criticised the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) following its pursuit of Arsenal teenager Ceadach O'Neill, arguing that pressuring young players to change international allegiance early in their development is improper.

The 18-year-old midfielder was fast-tracked into Northern Ireland's senior national team earlier this year, earning his first two caps during summer friendly matches against Guinea and France. On Tuesday, he was included in the senior squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Georgia, Hungary, and Ukraine.

Addressing the FAI's interest in the Arsenal player, Michael O'Neill voiced disappointment over the timing and nature of the recruitment approach, emphasizing that the player had come through Northern Ireland's development pathway from a young age.

"The thing that upsets me the most in this is that putting a young player in a position to make an international transfer before he's been a professional for even two years is, I think, not the right thing," Michael O'Neill stated, adding that such pressure should not be placed on teenage players before they establish their club careers.

The FAI's interest followed remarks earlier this year by its director of football, John Martin, regarding recruitment of eligible players across the island. However, Ceadach O'Neill's selection for competitive Nations League matches means that any appearance on the pitch would lock his international eligibility under FIFA rules.