Watford’s Craig Cathcart has been called up by Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill for the coming international break.
The summer international break third sees Northern Ireland face New Zealand in a friendly this coming Friday, before then facing Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier in Baku in June 10.
West Brom’s 37 year old centre half Gareth McAuley is included in the squad despite fitness issues, as although he’ll miss New Zealand with a thigh problem there are hopes he can be back for the qualifier.
With Conor Washington and Jamie Ward missing, Kyle Laffety is also included despite his lack of recent game time.
There is a first call up for Accrington Stanley forward Shay McCartan as well.
Northern Ireland sit second in Group C, five points behind table toppers Germany but two ahead of Czech Republic in third place.
Full squad:
Northern Ireland squad
Goalkeepers:
McGovern (Norwich City), Mannus (St Johnstone), Carroll (Linfield).
Defenders:
McAuley (West Brom), Evans (West Brom), Hughes (Hearts), Cathcart (Watford), Brunt (West Brom), C McLaughlin (Fleetwood), Hodson (Rangers), R McLaughlin (Oldham), Thompson (Southend), D Lafferty (Sheffield United), Flanagan (Burton Albion).
Midfielders:
Davis (Southampton), McGinn (Aberdeen), Norwood (Brighton), Ferguson (Millwall), Dallas (Leeds), Lund (Burton Albion), Paton (St Johnstone).
Strikers:
K Lafferty (Norwich), Magennis (Charlton), Boyce (Ross County), McCartan (Accrington Stanley).
