Midfielder forced to withdraw through injury but Northern Ireland squad 'in great form'
Michael O’Neill insists his Northern Ireland squad is “in great form” as they prepare to get their Nations League campaign underway on Friday – and also confirmed midfielder Jamie McDonnell is the only absentee from his 28-player panel due to injury.
Northern Ireland will face four fixtures in 10 days after achieving promotion to League B, starting with a trip to Georgia.
As O’Neill looks to deal with an expanded international window for the first time, the Northern Ireland chief named an extended squad with a large majority of players reporting for duty in Belfast.
Oxford United’s McDonnell will play no part for Northern Ireland with the ex-Glentoran youngster forced off after just nine minutes of Saturday’s League One draw against Cambridge United with a hamstring issue.
The 22-year-old had started in all six of Oxford’s league matches at the start of this season after his six-figure move from Nottingham Forest in January.
While the four-game window provides challenges for Northern Ireland, O’Neill has called on his players to embrace the hectic fixture list and is only focused on the positives.
“All of the players have arrived in camp, with the exception of Jamie McDonnell, who picked up a hamstring injury at the weekend and will remain with his club,” said O’Neill on the Irish FA’s website. “We’ve had some positive meetings with the players over the last few days, talking through the length of the camp and some of the challenges that a 16-day period will bring.
"We’ve also stressed how important it is that we come together as a group and make the most of that time collectively.
“The players have trained really well over the past few days and the intensity will increase from Wednesday, with another training session before we head off on a long flight.
“The squad is in great form. It’s a brilliant young group to work with, there’s a really positive atmosphere and everyone is happy to be here.”