Accrington Stanley’s Dion Charles has received his first senior call-up for Northern Ireland’s international fixtures later this month.
Charles’ call-up comes after an impressive season in which the 25 year-old has netted 17 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions this season for Stanley.
Derry’s Nathan Gartside has also been handed his first call-up to the senior team in place of Norwich’s Michael McGovern, who is currently absent with a hamstring injury whilst fellow regular – Motherwell’s Trevor Carson is also ruled out through injury.
Sunderland’s Tom Flanagan miss out in defence as Ciaron Brown is recalled after a series of impressive performances for Cardiff after returning from a strong loan spell at Scottish Premiership’s Livingston.
Manchester United’s Ethan Galbraith is snubbed as Hearts’ Michael Smith is promoted from defence to midfield to replace the youngster.
Middlesbrough’s Paddy McNair is also selected despite struggling with a knee injury which he suffered in Tuesday’s win over Preston North End.
Northern Ireland begin their bid to qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup with a difficult trip to Italy on 25 March, followed by a friendly against USA at home on 28 March before resuming their qualifying bid on 31 March as they host Bulgaria.
Here is the 26-man Northern Ireland squad to face Italy, USA and Bulgaria this month.
Goalkeepers – Nathan Gartside (Derry City), Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Conor Hazard (Celtic)
Defence – Jonny Evans (Leicester), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Stuart Dallas (Leeds), Shane Ferguson (Millwall), Conor McLaughlin (Sunderland), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle), Daniel Ballard (Blackpool, on loan from Arsenal), Ciaron Brown (Cardiff City)
Midfield – Steven Davis (Rangers), Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers), George Saville (Middlesbrough), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Alistair McCann (St Johnstone), Matthew Kennedy (Aberdeen), Michael Smith (Hearts), Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough)
Forward – Kyle Lafferty (Reggina), Josh Magennis (Hull), Conor Washington (Charlton), Liam Boyce (Hearts), Gavin Whyte (Cardiff City), Dion Charles (Accrington Stanley)
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