Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola encouraged by Northern Ireland teen's progress

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has been encouraged by the progress of rising Northern Ireland teenager Shea Charles.

Charles, 18, has been included in Ian Baraclough's squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Greece, Cyprus and Kosovo.

The defender - who can also play in midfield - has previously represented Northern Ireland at Under 17 and 19 level, and also qualifies for both England and the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland teen promoted to Man City first-team training

Charles has already been involved in City 's first-team training, working up close with Guardiola who appears to be a big fan of the youngster.

And Northern Ireland boss Baraclough says the feedback has been positive on the teen, who helped City's Under 23s clinch the Premier League 2 title last month.

“We are in contact with the Man City coaches who look after Shea day in, day out and they are delighted with the way he has developed,” said Baraclough.

“He has played a lot of U23s football and trained with the first team as well.

“I know Pep (Guardiola) has been happy with what he has seen, otherwise he wouldn’t invite him back into that training group.”

Asked if Charles, who turns 19 in November, might need to go out on loan in search of regular first team football, Baraclough said: “Shea will have hopes for Man City.

“He has been there from a young age and he’ll certainly want to play for the first team.

“Listen, they’re always a team that’s going to bring in the biggest and best players in world football and probably none more so than Erling Haaland (from Borussia Dortmund).

“That’s the calibre of player he’ll have to go up against and prove his worth against.

“I think Shea has a really solid outlook and a