Michael O'Neill 'pleased' at Northern Ireland players' camp boost before World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg

O’Neill’s men take on Slovakia away from home on Friday before concluding the group in Belfast against Luxembourg next Monday.

Northern Ireland sit three points behind both Germany and Slovakia, knowing they cannot afford defeat in the push for World Cup qualification – albeit with the safety net of a likely play-off place by virtue of having previously won their Nations League group.

Northern Ireland’s squad has already been rocked by the absence of goalkeeper Pierce Charles, defender Brodie Spencer and midfielders Shea Charles and Ali McCann.

Furthermore, midfielder Ethan Galbraith must serve a one-match ban against Slovakia, meaning O’Neill goes into a pivotal Group A fixture without four players who started last month’s 1-0 home defeat to Germany.

Barnsley midfielder Patrick Kelly is the only new face in O’Neill’s 26-strong panel for the two games.

Providing an update from their training base in Liverpool, O’Neill feels the players have a “real belief” that they can produce a successful end to the group.

“I am pleased to confirm the squad has arrived all fit and looking forward to the week ahead,” he added. “We know the task in front of us.

"Even despite some injuries, which has been a characteristic of the campaign, the group - from players to coaching staff - has real belief and is confident for these final two games.

“To conclude the campaign in front of our home fans will be particularly special, too.”

Speaking at the squad announcement last week, O’Neill remarked how he is going to have to get creative in order to cover for those missing players at the decisive moment of the campaign.

“Sometimes in moments like this you find solutions,” the international boss pointed out to media. "Maybe you find a new player and someone steps up...international careers can be born in this way and hopefully that’s the case.”