Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has named his team for tonight’s World Cup play-off semi-final clash against Italy in Bergamo – and it has been revealed on UEFA’s website ahead of kick-off.

With the injury absence of talisman Conor Bradley, Ali McCann and Dan Ballard, O’Neill was forced into a number of big decisions as Northern Ireland look to take a step closer to ending their 40-year World Cup wait.

Portsmouth’s Terry Devlin will start at right wing-back with Justin Devenny moving into midfield to play alongside Ethan Galbraith and Shea Charles.

Having missed the entirety of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, Pierce Charles has been given the nod in goal having recovered from a shoulder injury.

placeholder image — Norther Ireland manager Michael O'Neill (right) as player Trai Hume looks on during a press conference at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

As expected, Ruairi McConville has been drafted in to fill the void left by Ballard with the 20-year-old partnering Paddy McNair and captain Trai Hume in defence.

In another major call, O’Neill has opted to start with Jamie Donley leading the line – the Tottenham Hotspur star, who is currently on loan at Oxford United, has been selected ahead of Jamie Reid – with Isaac Price providing attacking support.

For Italy, Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has recovered in time to take his spot in the starting line-up – as has Alessandro Bastoni.

Northern Ireland starting line-up: Pierce Charles, Trai Hume, Paddy McNair, Ruairi McConville, Terry Devlin, Brodie Spencer, Ethan Galbraith, Shea Charles, Justin Devenny, Isaac Price, Jamie Donley.