Bolton Wanderers stars Josh Sheehan & Dion Charles capped

The Wanderers midfielder replaced Jordan James in the 66th minute in what was his first appearance for his country in two years.

In a game of few chances, Kiefer Moore hit the post in the final few minutes, giving national boss Rob Page some satisfaction after recent defeats against Armenia and Turkey.

"There's been lots said since the last camp," he said. "You would have seen the reaction of the players tonight against a very good team with one of the best strikers in world football, and we could have won the game 1-0 at the end.

"I'm really pleased with them. I'm proud of how we defended. It was back to our identity and the level of performance we gave in March against Latvia at home and Croatia away.

"We didn't meet those standards in June and that's what disappointed me the most. The message to the players beforehand was to just to forget everyone else and think about just us in this changing room.

"Tonight we were back to those standards. As a defender, I've been there myself when you have to suffer a lot without the ball. We had to suffer and we defended the box really, really well.

"I thought there were so many positives with the ball as well. Young JJ (Jordan James) getting his first start and looking excellent but there's still room for improvement for us as well.

"They stuck to the game plan tonight. I can't fault them. I can't fault their effort or application throughout the week. We've played it before so it's not alien to them but with regards to how Korea played the press was slightly different so we've done a lot on that in the week.

"Thankfully they stuck to the plan tonight and got lots of positives from the game."

Wales now face Latvia in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Monday knowing victory is a must if they want to keep within reach of the qualification places.

Dion Charles had a disappointing night for Northern Ireland (Image: PA)

Northern Ireland’s chances of reaching the finals now looks slim after a 4-2 defeat in Slovenia, which leaves them in fifth spot, seven points adrift at the halfway stage.

Dion Charles won his 17th international cap with Eoin Toal an unused substitute.

Northern Ireland’s goals came from Isaac Price and Jonny Evans but the Slovenian’s firepower – offered by B Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Andraz Sporar of Panathinaikos – proved too much on the night.

“The most disappointing thing in the game is how we managed the period in the game from 1-1 to 2-1, I think that was the period where we needed to be stable and we weren’t. Also from 3-2 to 4-2, we conceded too early after the game went to 3-2.

“We were trying to find a way back in the last 15 minutes and asked some questions and again the goalkeeper makes two or three good saves. It was an open game. I was disappointed to lose the game but pleased with a lot of aspects, some of the younger players were terrific.

“The biggest difference in the game was probably the front two. It’s a big part of the team. I don’t think we saw a lot between the teams on the night but they were clinical.

“Both Sorpar and Sesko were a threat all night. Some of our players were excellent as well and the chances we created, we’re probably disappointed we only scored twice in the game. We have to accept the defeat and move on.”

Northern Ireland now travel to Kazakhstan with their next qualifier on Sunday evening.