Sweden's Elanga impressed by Northern Ireland
Anthony Elanga (right) scored in the 77th minute of Sweden's 5-1 win over Northern Ireland
- Published
Sweden's Anthony Elanga said Northern Ireland are a "really good young team" and praised goalkeeper Pierce Charles, despite dominating Michael O'Neill's young side in the Stockholm friendly.
Nottingham Forest striker Elanga was on the scoresheet in Sweden's 5-1 win on Tuesday night, but thinks the beaten visitors are heading in the right direction under O'Neill.
"I've been watching Northern Ireland and I think they're really good, they've got a really good manager.
"You've got a really good, young team that play football, play good football. I really enjoy watching you guys play."
Elanga knows a number of O'Neill's squad and believes 19-year-old goalkeeper Charles, who won his sixth cap at the Strawberry Arena, is an "amazing" prospect.
"I know a few of the players, Ethan Galbraith who I played with at [Manchester] United, the Charles brothers [who were products of the Manchester City youth system].
"He [Pierce] is an amazing goalkeeper by the way, he's got a bright future."
Sweden's victory came without Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski and Sporting Lisbon striker Victor Gyokeres.
Elanga said he was "not at all" frustrated to start the game on the bench, especially with Nottingham Forest's FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton on Saturday.
"Coming on, I wanted to make an impact and score and that's what I did.
"It's important to stay fit and healthy because I've got a lot of games coming up for Nottingham Forest."