Bolton striker Dion Charles sends Northern Ireland boss message ahead of Nations League clashes

Bolton Wanderers striker Dion Charles has told Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough he is ready to step up and help solve the nation’s scoring problem after his move to the Whites has helped prepare him for success on the international front.

Northern Ireland have bagged only six goals in their last nine competitive fixtures, two of them in a losing cause as they went down 3-2 away to Saturday’s opponents Kosovo in June before rescuing a 2-2 draw with a late comeback against Cyprus at Windsor Park days later.

With their 14-match winless run in the Nations League putting pressure on manager Baraclough, Northern Ireland need to find solutions both in Belfast this weekend and in Tuesday’s match away to group leaders Greece.

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Wanderers striker Charles is yet to break his international duck in 11 appearances for Northern Ireland, all as a substitute. But after scoring four goals in eight games for Bolton this season the 26-year-old has reported for duty full of confidence.

“I had a conversation with Ian to let him know I am ready when called upon,” Charles said. “If I get the opportunity I‘m sure I will take it.

“My first aim is to get a start and I have confidence in my own ability, and the squad’s ability, that when I am on the pitch I will get chances and score.

“I just have to keep my head down and work hard in the sessions we have got and give the manager something to think about.

"The season has gone well. I played the first game then picked up an injury and I was out for a couple of weeks.

"I came back a couple of weeks ago and I've scored four since then, so the goals are coming. I'm feeling sharp and fit and looking