A year ago, Pierce Charles was representing Northern Ireland at the Under-19 Euros. Fast forward 12 months, and he's now making decisive last-minute saves for Michael O'Neill's senior team. This rapid ascent has been nothing short of remarkable, with the 19-year-old goalkeeper making a significant impact since his senior debut against Belarus in October.

"In football, you never know what's around the corner," Charles remarked. "I just take every step as it comes, so I wasn't really thinking ahead to playing for the senior team last summer. I was hoping one time in the future, obviously that was my target, but at that time it was just focused on the U19s. I got the opportunity back in October, thanks to the gaffer, and I feel like I've not looked back since."

Charles has shown impressive ability on the ball, with confidence and some eye-catching long passes forward. Despite his limited experience in senior football, having won as many international caps as league appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, he has managed to hold his own against high-caliber attackers. His most notable moment came in the final 60 seconds of a 1-0 win over Iceland, where he made a crucial save to secure the victory.

"I think it showed a different side to him," O'Neill commented after the game. "In the brief time we've had with Pierce, he's played more international games than club games. That's the challenge, and he needs games. Everyone would look at Pierce and know how good he is with his feet, but how he commanded his box was excellent. It was a good night for Pierce and he got a clean sheet, which is always nice."

Charles' performance has not only highlighted his skills but also the determination and desire of O'Neill's young Northern Ireland side. With World Cup qualifying starting in September, fans are optimistic about the team's potential over the next 12 months. Charles emphasized the importance of taking it "one step at a time" and expressed his excitement for the upcoming matches, particularly the game against Germany.

"It just fills us with more confidence. It'll be the last memory that we have until September," he added. "So, I think everyone will be more positive now, going into September, rather than if we had lost tonight, for example. I can't wait until then and, of course the Germany game. They're the games that you want to play since you were a kid. I just can't wait."