Michael O'Neill says he is confident none of his experienced stars will hang up their boots ahead of next year's Euro qualifiers.
Speculation has been mounting over the futures of captain Steven Davis - who turns 38 next month - and defender Jonny Evans (34).
O'Neill - who has returned for a second spell as Northern Ireland boss - joked that Davis "isn't allowed to retire" before reiterating how important it is for those senior players to prolong their international careers.
