Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been included in Northern Ireland's 28-man squad for their World Cup qualifying play-off against Italy later this month, despite an injury scare. Ballard was forced off in the second half of Sunderland's Premier League defeat to Brighton on Saturday and is considered a doubt for next weekend's Tyne-Wear derby.
Manager Michael O'Neill has named a strong squad for the semi-final in Bergamo on 26 March, with the winner facing either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on 31 March. The ultimate winner will join Canada, Switzerland and Qatar in Group B at this summer's World Cup.
O'Neill, who is combining his international duties with managing Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers, insisted his dual role has not affected preparation. 'I didn't feel this decision would affect the preparation of the team as a lot of the preparation was already done,' he said.
Southampton midfielder Shea Charles and his brother Pierce, the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper, return from injury, along with Preston's Ali McCann and Oxford's Brodie Spencer. Liverpool teenager Kieran Morrison receives his first senior call-up after scoring 13 goals for the under-21s this season.
However, Liverpool's Conor Bradley is out injured, while Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Luke Southwood, Wimbledon defender Ryan Johnson, Preston's Jamal Lewis and Rangers loanee Ross McCausland are omitted.
