O'Neill names Northern Ireland squad for Germany game

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has named his 25-man squad for next month's home internationals which begin with a friendly against Luxembourg (Thursday 5 September) before they welcome Germany to Belfast for the EURO 2020 qualifier (Monday 8 September).

There is no spot for Kyle Lafferty – who recently joined Sarpsborg 08 in Norway following his recent release from Rangers (see here) – nor for Gareth McAuley who also left ‘The Teddy Bears’ this summer.

"Neither player has had a club really since the end of last season,” said O’Neill. "Kyle has just signed for Sarpsborg in Norway and hasn't had any specific football training. At this minute in time with a game the stature of Germany he wouldn't be ready. If he came here there's a risk of him getting injured and that wouldn't help us in the long run.

"Gareth hasn't had a club since leaving Rangers, he is keeping himself fit but it would be unfair to ask him to play. We decided between us it was the right decision that he just keeps looking for a club and we hope to have him back soon."

Liam Donnelly makes a return to the senior squad after earning his only cap back in 2014 in a friendly against Chile with the 23-year-old player’s form for Motherwell catching O’Neill’s eye. His teammate in the SPL, goalkeeper Trevor Carson is also back in the squad. 

"Liam is a player we have had in the system for a long time and I remember working with him when he was 15/16,” said O’Neill.

"He has played consistently well for our Under-21s, has been captain, but this season at Motherwell he has played really well and it's great to have a player with huge potential in the squad.”

Callum Morris has made the cut for this squad with O’Neill glad to see the Ross County player come through a difficult time with injuries.

"Callum is a player we have had before, but has suffered with injury. He has played every game this season in the Scottish Premiership."

It is a tough task that awaits Norn Iron who have lost the last seven meetings between the sides with Germany having scored three or more on their last four visits to the National Stadium at Windsor Park.   

Northern Ireland squad in full

Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Michael McGovern (Norwich), Trevor Carson (Motherwell).

Defenders: Jonny Evans (Leicester), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Conor McLaughlin (Sunderland), Jamal Lewis (Norwich), Michael Smith (Hearts), Tom Flanagan (Sunderland), Callum Morris (Ross County).

Midfielders: Steven Davis (Rangers), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Corry Evans (Blackburn), Stuart Dallas (Leeds), Shane Ferguson (Millwall), Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough), George Saville (Middlesbrough), Jordan Jones (Rangers), Gavin Whyte (Cardiff), Jordan Thompson (Blackpool), Liam Donnelly (Motherwell).

Forward: Josh Magennis (Hull), Conor Washington (Hearts), Liam Boyce (Burton), Paul Smyth (Wycombe).

Ever wanted to interview Michael O'Neill? That's exactly what Northern Ireland fan Esther George got to do at today's squad announcement! See how she got on #GarethLaffertypic.twitter.com/QG5igMaMuQ

— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) August 28, 2019