Charles brothers deliver Northern Ireland’s first Nations League away win

Shea Charles scored in the 99th minute after his brother Pierce saved a penalty as Northern Ireland secured their first away victory in the Nations League, beating Georgia in Tbilisi on Friday. BBC Sport NI reported that the late winner was Northern Ireland's latest-ever goal, giving Michael O'Neill's side a winning start to their League B Group 2 campaign.

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The result came on Northern Ireland's return to the competition's second tier after six years away. Georgia increased the pressure after half-time, but Pierce Charles kept the visitors level with several saves, including a stop from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's penalty. The goalkeeper's contribution meant Northern Ireland were still in position to take all three points deep into stoppage time.

Pierce, 21, received the player-of-the-match award and regarded the display as his best for Northern Ireland, according to the BBC's report. He credited preparation before the match for helping him deny the Paris St-Germain player from the spot. The clean sheet was Northern Ireland's first away from home in a competitive fixture since his international debut against Belarus in 2024.

O'Neill praised both brothers afterwards, highlighting more than the two decisive moments. He said Pierce's passing helped Northern Ireland retain control and gave the three-man defence a reliable option when playing backwards. The manager also praised Shea's physical contribution, his work in possession and his ability to move beyond opponents during a performance capped by the winning goal.

Shea credited his brother's saves with making the victory possible and said Northern Ireland regained some control after the penalty. The 22-year-old midfielder also felt he could have scored more before his late breakthrough. Now at Fulham following a summer move from Southampton, he told the BBC that facing established internationals had helped prepare him for Premier League football.

Northern Ireland's next match is against Hungary at Windsor Park on Monday, the second fixture in a four-game international window. The squad were due to return home in the early hours of Saturday, leaving a short turnaround after the win. Shea said the result provided a strong starting point for the Hungary match, with the team preparing for their first appearance in Belfast since November.