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Steven Crawford

Dion Charles hoping for a lift when senior stars return from injury

Dion Charles believes the return of Northern Ireland's experienced stars will have a huge impact on the team.

Michael O'Neill's squad has been stretched to the limit with ten senior players currently ruled out due to injury.

While the emergence of young stars like Shea Charles, Conor Bradley, Trai Hume and Isaac Price has been impressive, the Bolton striker feels everyone will benefit when the squad is back to full strength again.

Read next: Trai Hume sends out positive message despite double disappointment

“We are a very young squad and we have some very experienced players out injured," said Charles.

"When they come back, they will make a big difference to the team.

“I think we’ve shown the future is bright, the likes of Shea, Trai, Dale Taylor and Isaac Price. The future is bright.

“Of course we want to qualify but it’s maybe going to take a bit of time to gel.

“It’s frustrating because we’ve been in every single game and that’s three we’ve lost 1-0 now.

“It’ something we need to look at but we’re learning every game. We’re learning on the job but we’ll look to improve things."

With no goals scored in the last three games Charles is hoping the goals will start to flow again.

“It’s a matter of persevering," he said. "We get into the areas a lot of the time but like I said, it’s just that final ball.

“As a striker it’s frustrating because my job is to score goals. It’s frustrating.

“We played well and dominated the game but it’s fine margins.”

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