O'Neill names Northern Ireland squad for qualifiers
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Michael O’Neill has announced his squad for the upcoming Group F World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Israel. The games will take place in Windsor Park with Russia first up on Friday 22nd of March with Israel making the trip to Belfast on Tuesday the 26th.
Northern Ireland lie currently fourth in their group with three draws from their opening four fixtures, with their only defeat coming away to Russia in the opening game of the campaign.
Burnley striker Martin Paterson has been recalled to the squad after a period of absence through injury and his return is all the more timely for O’Neill, as he searches for his first victory as manager, with Kyle Lafferty missing the game against Russia due to suspension.
There are recalls for experienced midfielders Sammy Clingan and Grant McCann, although Dean Sheils will miss out with a knee injury while midfielder Chris Baird will also miss the Russia clash through suspension.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: R Carroll (Olympiacos), A Mannus (St. Johnstone), M McGovern (Falkirk)
Defenders: A Hughes (Fulham), C Cathcart (Blackpool), G McCauley (West Brom), D Lafferty (Burnley), J Evans (Manchester United), A Bruce (Hull City), R McGivern (Hibernian)
Midfielders: S Davis (Southampton), O Norwood (Huddersfield Town), G McCann (Peterborough), N McGinn (Aberdeen), C Brunt (West Brom), S Ferguson ( Birmingham City), S Clinigan (Kilmarnock) A Little (Glasgow Rangers), P McCourt (Celtic)
Forwards: W Grigg (Walsall), B McKay (Inverness), M Paterson (Burnley), D Healy (Bury), J Ward (Derby)
Available for Israel only: K Lafferty (Sion), C Baird (Fulham)
