Bailey Peacock-Farrell says he and his teammates are fully behind Ian Baraclough leading Northern Ireland into the next Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Baraclough, who succeeded Michael O’Neill as international boss 17 months ago, is reportedly close to signing a new contract extension with the Irish FA.
And while the reaction to that development has been mixed among some fans, Peacock-Farrell says the changing room is “united” and “moving in the right direction” under the 50-year-old.
“I haven’t really seen much of the media coverage and I live under a rock when it comes to social media,” said the on-loan Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper.
“I’m not aware of what noise is out there but I can speak on behalf of the lads and we are together, there is a unity here and we are moving in the right and the same direction.
“The results haven’t gone our way, which is life. That’s football but there is certainly no divide in the camp. The manager and squad are pulling in the same direction, that’s for sure.”
In 18 games in charge so far, Baraclough has a record of just four wins, four draws and 10 defeats, while Northern Ireland’s World Cup hopes were extinguished last month.
Friday night’s qualifier with Lithuania and Italy’s visit to Belfast on Monday are effectively dead rubbers, with little more than ranking points and pride up for grabs.
On the plus side the former QPR midfielder has blooded a number of promising youngsters with Conor Bradley, Dan Ballard and Ali McCann all making debuts on his watch.
Asked if it’s a “positive” to have Baraclough at the helm for the next international cycle, Peacock-Farrell said: “Definitely. Stability is an overlooked factor in football.
“We have that continuity with the same manager and we have built a squad now with a lot of young players coming through, making their debuts and staying in the team.
“Recently, the likes of Conor (Bradley) has got game time and he has been playing really, really well, just to name one.
“Yes, we have missed out in this campaign, but we have the future to build on and we’re starting that now.”
