JUST IN: Southampton boss has spoken about his squad evaluation and….

McNair, 28, was a highly-rated youngster at Manchester United early in his career and has since gone on to play for Sunderland and Middlesborough.

Speaking while on international duty, McNair praised Charles’ high potential, saying: “I think Shea is a brilliant player, I think he can play at the highest level.

“When he came in under Ian Baraclough, you could see the ability he had, and in every game he plays, he performs really well.

“He has that composure about him and he makes the game look easy.”

Charles featured in all but one of Northern Ireland’s 2024 European Championship qualifiers – only missing their game against Finland through suspension.

READ MORE: Helping loan players and no longer playing – what is Lancashire’s new Saints role?

He returned to the starting lineup on Monday evening and provided an assist as Northern Ireland rounded out a disappointing qualification campaign with

“I’m always conscious we’re asking a lot of a lad who has just turned 20,” manager Michael O’Neill remarked ahead of the game.

“But what he has demonstrated is real maturity, an ability to take the ball in his own half during the build-up phase.

“He’s always improving, he’s improved in certain areas out of possession. When we played Shea in March, he was captain of the Manchester City Under-21s, he hadn’t played a single minute of first-team football.

“As it stands now, he’s had quite a big move for a player of that age to go to Southampton with a large price tag, and he’s looking to establish himself in a very strong squad in the Championship.

“It’s a big career change. What he brings is constant progress. I’ve been delighted with his contribution in the campaign.”

Charles, who joined Southampton from Manchester City this summer, has made 15 appearances under Russell Martin in the Championship and League Cup.