Soccer

Paddy McNair included in Northern Ireland squad

Manager Michael O’Neill announces panel for next week’s qualifier in Romania

Paddy McNair in action for Manchester United against Everton last month. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images
Paddy McNair in action for Manchester United against Everton last month. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images
Tue Nov 04 2014 - 11:38

Manchester United teenager Paddy McNair has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for next week’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Romania.

The 19-year-old missed out on a debut call-up against the Faroe Islands last month due to a hamstring injury.

McNair, who has featured three times for United this season including in Saturday's derby defeat to Manchester City, is brought in as cover for Aaron Hughes.

Hughes suffered an ankle injury playing for Brighton and despite being named in Michael O’Neill’s squad he must be considered a major doubt for the clash in Bucharest.

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O’Neill’s men have made a stunning start to their Group F campaign with three straight wins including a 2-0 triumph in Greece last month.

West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt returns to the squad after missing the games against Greece and the Faroe Islands but Jonny Evans and Alex Bruce are all ruled out.

Squad: R Carroll (Notts County), A Mannus (St Johnstone), M McGovern (Hamilton), A Hughes (Brighton), C Baird, G McAuley (both West Brom), R McGivern (Port Vale), C Cathcart (Watford), R McLaughlin (Liverpool), C McLaughlin (Fleetwood), L McCullough (Doncaster), P McNair (Man Utd), S Davis (Southampton), C Brunt (West Brom), S Clingan (Kilmarnock), C Evans (Blackburn), O Norwood (Reading), B Reeves (MK Dons), P McCourt (Brighton), K Lafferty (Norwich), N McGinn (Aberdeen), J Ward (Derby), B McKay (Inverness), J Magennis (Kilmarnock), W Grigg (MK Dons).