NORTHERN Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has added St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann to his squad for next week’s crucial Euro 2020 playoff in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 20-year-old is the only new face in the panel for the trip to Sarajevo on October 8 and Nations League games against Austria (H) and Norway (A) on October 11 and 14.
McCann, who was born in Edinburgh, has played at U21 level for Northern Ireland and has been a regular for St Johnstone in the SPFL over the past 15 months.
The mobile midfielder, who made his senior club debut in 2018, recently made his 50th appearance for the Perth club.
“Ali has been knocking on the door for a little while and he’s someone we’ve been aware of coming through the system,” said Baraclough.
“He was with me with the U21s and has been playing regularly for St Johnstone for the last year and he’s been a very consistent performer.
“He is someone who goes about his work quietly and fully deserves to be included in what I think is a really balanced squad.
“We wanted to bolster the central midfield area coming into this next phase of three games and Ali fully deserves his call-up.”
Leicester City defender Jonny Evans, who limped off in a 5-2 win over Manchester City last weekend, has recovered and is included in the squad.
NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD IN FULL
Goalkeepers – Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Michael McGovern (Norwich City), Trevor Carson (Motherwell).
Defenders – Jonathan Evans (Leicester City), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Stuart Dallas (Leeds United), Shane Ferguson (Millwall), Conor McLaughlin (Sunderland), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle United), Michael Smith (Heart of Midlothian), Tom Flanagan (Sunderland), Daniel Ballard (Arsenal).
Midfielders – Steven Davis (Rangers), Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Patrick McNair (Middlesbrough), George Saville (Middlesbrough), Gavin Whyte (Cardiff City), Jordan Jones (Rangers), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Joel Cooper (Oxford United), Alistair McCann (St Johnstone).
Forwards – Kyle Lafferty (Reggina), Josh Magennis (Hull City), Conor Washington (Charlton Athletic), Liam Boyce (Heart of Midlothian).
