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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Northern Ireland boss Gerard Lyttle seeking clinical edge from Under 19s ahead of Euro qualifiers

Northern Ireland Under 19 boss Gerard Lyttle has called for a more ruthless streak from his players ahead of October's Euro qualifiers.

Lyttle's young side earned another 1-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Friday at the Oval.

It followed Wednesday's 1-0 success at Mourneview Park, with both goals scored by striker Jamie Donley.

It was a positive week for Lyttle's side, who recorded back-to-back wins without conceding a goal.

But the Under 19 boss believes his players have to be more clinical at the other end of the pitch ahead of next month's Euro qualifiers against Czech Republic, Denmark and Kazakhstan.

"I was happy with the performance," Lyttle told Belfast Live.

"I thought we were a bit slow in possession in the first half. It was difficult because they played five at the back, four in the middle and one up top, and it was a challenge breaking it down.

Northern Ireland Under 19s before Friday's game against Faroe Islands (Presseye)

"We changed our formation to three up top and used our wingers to create space in the wide areas and overload with the wing-backs. And that worked in our favour.

"We started finding spaces and pockets and created opportunities, and we got our goal. But I would have preferred a few more."

Lyttle added: "We need to be a wee bit more ruthless. We spoke about it after the game. We might not get a lot of opportunities in the qualifiers. We might just get one chance.

"It is something we need to work on. That's what gets players to the next level. Decision-making in the final third and being ruthless in front of goal.

"I am delighted we created opportunities, but I am a little bit disappointed we didn't convert a few more."

Watch our full interview with NI U19 boss Gerard Lyttle above...

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