In September, they began their qualification campaign with an encouraging 1-1 draw away to Georgia, the second seeds in the group.
At The BetMcLean Oval, Wright’s young guns were too strong for Malta in their 2025-27 European Under-21 qualifier, sealing a 2-0 victory.
Northern Ireland are competing with Germany, Greece, Latvia as well as Georgia in Group F.
Up next is top seeds Germany on Tuesday, also at The BetMcLean Oval (5.30pm), and although that is a tougher assignment, the squad will go into it with confidence and belief.
Northern Ireland Under-21 boss Tommy Wright looks on during his side’s victory over Malta
Northern Ireland were 2-0 ahead at the break and it could have been more.
Portsmouth’s Makenzie Kirk opened the scoring on seven minutes with a great header following a cross from Glentoran youngster Johnny Russell.
Kirk and Dundalk’s Eoin Kenny led the attack for the home side and were a handful for the Malta backline.
Skipper Michael Forbes doubled his side’s lead on 33 minutes with a sublime finish from Liam McStravick’s corner.
Michael Forbes takes the acclaim after making it 2-0 to Northern Ireland Under-21s against Malta
Malta goalkeeper Hugo Sacco was in inspired form to prevent further damage as Kirk and Kenny both tested his concentration.
After the hosts had established a two-goal advantage, the onus was on the visitors to hit back, but the Northern Ireland rearguard was rarely tested.
Sacco saved from Liverpool forward Kieran Morrison and Shea Kearney as Northern Ireland saw the job through comfortably.
N Ireland U21: McMullan, Barr, Forbes, Fogarty, Russell (Sewell 91), Kearney, Robinson (Sheridan 91), Kelly (Donnelly 81), McStravick (O’Neill 72), Kirk (Morrison 81), Kenny.
Subs not used: Glenfield, Brown, Barnsley, Ryan, Brannigan.
Malta U21: Sacco, Cross, Jake Micallef, Xerri, Hili, Grech, Azzopardi (Buhagiar 61), Letherby (Bonanno 82), Vella (Ensell Attard 82), Shaisen Attard, Gatt (Bartolo 76).
Subs not used: Gambin, Abela, Sargent, De Flavia, Ging.
Referee: Alessandro Dudic (Switzerland)