PADDY MCNAIR HAS been included in the Northern Ireland squad for their crucial World Cup play-off with Switzerland, despite only returning from an 11-month lay-off at the weekend.
The Sunderland midfielder had not played a competitive game since rupturing anterior knee ligaments in a Premier League game against Bournemouth last November before returning to action against Bristol City on Saturday.
The player made his senior comeback during the 2-1 loss, coming on for the final 11 minutes for Simon Grayson’s side.
Michael O’Neill named McNair along with Jamie Ward, Aaron Hughes and Jonny Evans in his squad for November’s play-off.
His side were drawn against Switzerland aiming to qualify for a first World Cup since 1986, with the first leg played in Windsor Park on 9 November before the return leg in Basel three days later.
Nottingham Forrest forward Ward missed the country’s final five World Cup qualifiers with a calf injury but returns to the set-up in time for the play-off, while 37-year-old Hughes was also included despite not yet returning from a calf injury for Hearts.
Former Manchester United player McNair has made 12 appearances for Northern Ireland.
He made his international debut against Scotland at Hampden Park in March 2015 and featuring twice as O’Neill’s side made it to the knockout stages of Euro 2016.
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Best of Luck to our neighbours
Mayo need to work out a plan for opposition’s kickouts. Lost every one that went long in the first half. Against Dublin or Kerry they will get annilitated. What used to be Mayos strong point with Aiden, Seamus, Parsons it’s now weak. Ruane and Loftus bring something different but fielding a high ball is not one of their strengths. Aiden needs to be moved out to the middle on Roscommon kickouts