Ian Baraclough insists Northern Ireland’s Euro heartache isn’t the ‘end of an era’ and won’t lead to key players calling time on national service.
Former winger Keith Gillespie fears a “few difficult years” for the team with the likes of Steven Davis, Jonny Evans and Craig Cathcart all on the wrong side of 30.
Rangers midfielder Davis, who won his 123rd cap in Thursday’s playoff defeat to Slovakia, turns 36 in January and it remains to be seen if he stays on for another campaign.
Leicester City star Evans is 32, while the likes of Cathcart (31), Kyle Lafferty (33) and Niall McGinn (33) are all in - or staring at - the autumn of their careers.
But while many fear a changing of the guard in the coming months, Baraclough is confident key names will stay on for the 2022 World Cup campaign.
“There is not an end of an era feel,” he said. “You won’t get that feel from me and it’s not a case of writing anyone off. I told the players they can all go again.
“I've never spoken or thought about anybody finishing their international career.
“You talk about Davo (Steven Davis) who is a massive character and a driving force for everybody. He's still playing at a very good level.
“Our two centre backs (Evans and Cathcart) are only in their early 30s and they could play for another six, seven, eight years. I have no doubts on that.
“This is hurting and it will be tough watching the Euros from home for sure. It is the worst I've felt after a game, but we will regroup and bounce back.
“These players have shown time and time again that they are resilient and they will pick themselves up. Those in the dressing room can all go again. They can go again.”
