Squad named for first qualifier against the Czech Republic in September
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has named his squad for the World Cup qualifier with the Czech Republic in Prague. It's the first squad to be named by O'Neill since Northern Ireland's European Exploits over the summer. Michael O'Neill told Sky Sports that he hopes to build on the team's European exploits this summer
Burton defender Tom Flanagan and Dundee forward Michael Duffy are the two new faces in the squad. O'Neill says that both Flannagan and Duffy have made good cases for being involved in the squad.
Two new faces in the senior squad as Tom Flanagan and Michael Duffy are called up for the first time ⚽️ #DareToDream #GAWA
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) 24 August 2016
Defender Michael Smith and Ross County striker Liam Boyce return to the side after they missed out on a place with the Euro 2016 squad.
One notable absentee however, is forward Will Grigg. The Wigan man has been left out of the squad as he is about to become a father.
Will Grigg is not included in the squad due to personal reasons #GAWA
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) 24 August 2016
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers
Michael McGovern, Alan Mannus, Trevor Carson
Defenders
Gareth McAuley, Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart, Conor McLaughlin Lee Hodson, Michael Smith, Tom Flanagan
Midfielders
Steven Davis, Niall McGinn, Ollie Norwood Corry Evans, Jamie Ward, Shane Ferguson, Stewart Dallas, Paddy McNair, Michael Duffy
Forwards
Kyle Lafferty, Conor Washington, Liam Boyce, Josh Magennis
Here is the Northern Ireland Squad that will take on Czech Republic on Sunday 4 September! #DareToDream #GAWA pic.twitter.com/cGFnBlKMsR
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) 24 August 2016