Charles taking record-breaking price tag in his stride

Fulham midfielder Shea Charles, who became Northern Ireland's most expensive footballer after a £30m summer move from Southampton, says he does not dwell on the price tag and remains grounded thanks to family and friends. The 22-year-old, capped 35 times since his 2022 debut and previously handed the captain's armband by manager Michael O'Neill, credits international football with sharpening his game against higher-level opposition than he faced in the Championship. He has featured in all five of Fulham's Premier League matches this season, including draws with Liverpool and Manchester United, and now turns his focus to Northern Ireland's Nations League fixtures against Georgia (home and away), Hungary and Ukraine.