Extended squad gives boss options
RETURN: Kilmarnock midfielder Dean Shiels
MICHAEL O’Neill admits naming his first international squad was a relatively pain-free exercise.
O’Neill enjoyed the luxury of selecting a 24-man panel for next week’s friendly with Norway at Windsor Park.
The extended squad includes a number of names that have been conspicuous by their absence in recent times.
Burnley duo Michael Duff and Martin Paterson return to the fold, as does Kilmarnock midfielder Dean Shiels who scored the winner against Rangers on Saturday.
Newcastle United talent Shane Ferguson – who was reported to have had a difference of opinion with former manager Nigel Worthington – is another welcome addition to O’Neill’s debut squad.
“It’s important that players have a level of involvement,” O’Neill said.
“We need a larger pool of players. My focus is on seeing as many of the players first hand.
“There aren’t a lot of new faces in there, but everyone deserves their chance in the squad.
“Dean Shiels has had an impressive season at Kilmarnock. He scored against Rangers on Saturday and that’s nine goals this season.
“He is versatile, a good footballer technically and a player I’ve always liked. He gives us a good option and it’s nice to have him back.
“There’s never been any questions in my mind about what he’s capable of.
“His international career has maybe been a bit stop-start to date, but hopefully he can translate his club form onto the international stage. I’m looking forward to working with him.
“As for Shane (Ferguson) I contacted him shortly after taking over as manager and he outlined his commitment to playing for Northern Ireland.
“I spoke to the people at Newcastle and they are very pleased with the progress he has made. He is on the fringes of the first team and at a club that is having a very good season. He is regularly in their 18-man squads.
“He can play in a couple of positions. It’s a good opportunity for him and a good opportunity for me to see him first hand.”
“I have seen Michael (Duff) two times personally in the past month.
“We’ve had Burnley watched and in both games he played very well. I just felt, at the time, we have lost Craigan, a very experienced player.”
Two players missing from yesterday’s squad were goalkeeper Roy Carroll and versatile Fulham player Chris Baird.
“Chris is unavailable for personal reasons but he will be back,” O’Neill revealed.
“I’ll look to get Roy involved, maybe even for the Holland game in June. We have three keepers all playing first-team football in this squad, but we will continue to monitor Roy’s situation.”
Meanwhile, Chris Brunt and Kyle Lafferty both miss out through injury.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
