‘I’ve got thick skin’: Ian Baraclough ready for criticism after Cyprus stalemate

Ian Baraclough insisted he could handle the criticism which will come his way after Northern Ireland’s latest Nations League setback as he called for patience with a young squad finding its way.

The same problems that were evident in Thursday’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Greece plagued Northern Ireland again in a poor goalless draw with a Cyprus side who should arguably have won the contest in Larnaca as Baraclough’s men turned in another disjointed performance.

The draw extends Northern Ireland’s winless run in this competition to 12 matches, and this was only their third ever point.

In a week when Baraclough has already faced questions about pressure, sections of the 600-strong travelling Green and White Army greeted the final whistle with jeers at the AEK Arena with some fans frustrated at the lack of progress.

“There are always people questioning your position,” he said. “People aren’t happen when you win games because you’re not winning them by big enough margins.

“It comes with the territory. I’ve got thick skin.”

Northern Ireland’s performances this week have been a step back from the form shown during last year’s World Cup qualifying campaign. There was an expectation they should have comfortably beaten a side ranked 105th in the world but fans were once again left disappointed.

Baraclough voiced his frustration at their inability to win, but pointed to the issues in his squad to try to explain why.

With the likes of Stuart Dallas, Craig Cathcart and Josh Magennis unavailable, youngsters have been thrust into the limelight, with Shea Charles starting in Cyprus three days after an unexpected first appearance off the bench at Windsor Park while Brodie Spencer and Conor McMenamin came on for their debuts.

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