Southampton and Northern Ireland star says World Cup play-off in Italy is the “biggest match” of his career so far

The 22 year old is set to take on the four-time World Cup winners on their own turf in Bergamo, home of Atalanta, in the qualifying play-off semi-final.

Charles has already won 31 caps, captaining his country on a handful of occasions, but has never represented them at a major tournament.

Northern Ireland last qualified for the World Cup in 1986, and Italy, who are ranked #12 in the FIFA world list, is only the first step required this month.

The winners of the clash, set for 7.45pm on Thursday, March 26, will meet either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina for a place at the tournament.

“It means everything, really,” the maturing Charles told the Daily Echo. “To go to a World Cup with my country would be incredible.

“We saw what it did for the boys that went to the Euros in 2016. It brings the country together, and the relationships you make with those teammates.

“If you get there, the privilege of just being able to put on performances and then seeing how far you can go. I think we’re all looking forward to it.

“Being able to have the chance to go to the World Cup just by winning two games. It sounds a lot easier than it is. That’s for sure. It’s hard to prepare.

“You don’t have a lot of time on the grass, but you get used to that in a way. We’re lucky that we have a tight-knit group of players with Northern Ireland.

“Not having a lot of preparation time won’t mean too much for us, and we play big games for our clubs. Games here, like Coventry, will help me.

“They mean so much going forward for us, so it helps with the pressures of going into that international game and what you need to deal with it.

“I’m expecting it to be loud in Italy. I know it’s the national team, but I watched Dortmund play in Bergamo a few weeks ago, and it was loud then.

“That’s what we’re expecting. It’s a massive game for both countries.”

Charles is not the only Saints player embarking on crucial play-off games, with Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning also two wins away from qualifying.

The Republic of Ireland visit Czechia on Thursday, before potentially facing the winner of Denmark and North Macedonia to go to North America.

“I can speak for myself, but I think for all three of us, it might be the biggest games of our careers,” said Charles, as he wished his mates luck.

“I don’t know how they see it, but to go to the World Cup with your country is so big, so I think we’re all looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can all make it.”