Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Tue 31 March 2026 20:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion supporters are up in arms after Michael O’Neill decided to start Isaac Price in Northern Ireland’s friendly against Wales on Tuesday night.

O’Neill is also the head coach of Championship relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers, and by playing Price from the start, he could tire him out ahead of a crucial six-pointer.

Midfielder Price has impressed for the Baggies in recent weeks, and even scored his first goal since mid-January in the 3-0 victory against Hull City on March 14.

As a result, he is likely to play a crucial role in his club’s bid to avoid dropping into League One, which will resume again, firstly against Wrexham, after the international break.

First, however, West Brom will hope Price avoids an unnecessary injury for his country.

Isaac Price starts in Northern Ireland v Wales

The Baggies will take on Blackburn on Easter Monday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Both clubs are currently level in the Championship on 43 points, with Rovers’ marginally superior goal difference giving them the edge over their opponents.

James Morrison, therefore, would have been hoping for Price to be given Tuesday night off, especially with Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualification hopes having already ended.

While O’Neill is adamant he is not playing mind games ahead of his return to club duties at Ewood Park, selecting the 22-year-old will undoubtedly do West Brom absolutely no favours.

He has been one of his country’s outstanding performers, scoring 10 goals in under 30 international caps already, and O’Neill will claim he is playing Price to try to win the friendly.

But the fact that he is starting regardless in a relatively meaningless friendly will surely frustrate Morrison, who will now have to carefully monitor his player’s condition.

Martin O’Neill defends selection decisions

According to the BBC, at least one Championship side have raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest over O’Neill’s club and international management roles.

But ahead of the match against Wales, the 56-year-old defended his selection decisions, insisting he has always prioritised his players during his four-year spell.

“I don’t really think I need to respond. I’ve managed over 100 international games,” he said. “I’ve always put the players first. That’s the most important thing.

“I don’t take unnecessary risks with the players.

“I appreciate the players have to go back to the clubs, but as I say, I’ll continue to do that.”

Had Morrison tuned in, he likely would have rolled his eyes.