Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen says Pierce Charles “has a big smile on his face” after returning to action in time for Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final trip to Italy later this month.

Charles’ campaign has been heavily impacted by shoulder injuries with the most recent picked up during the Owls’ FA Cup defeat to Brentford in January.

After the 20-year-old missed the entirety of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, it was feared Charles could also be a major doubt ahead of a trip to Bergamo on March 26.

However, Charles returned to Championship action in Saturday’s narrow 2-1 defeat away at Derby County, playing 90 minutes and was credited with making two saves.

placeholder image — Pierce Charles returned to action with Sheffield Wednesday this weekend. (Photo by Leila Coker/Getty Images)

With talisman Conor Bradley set to miss the rest of this season after sustaining a serious injury while playing for Liverpool, Charles’ return comes as a major boost for Michael O’Neill.

Charles had established himself as O’Neill’s number one choice prior to sustaining his first shoulder injury of the season – Bailey Peacock-Farrell stepped in for Northern Ireland’s qualifying campaign in his absence.

If Northern Ireland defeat former World Cup champions Italy, they’ll face a trip to either Bosnia & Herzegovina or Wales on March 30 for a spot in the major tournament which is being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

O’Neill’s men already know their potential group opponents after being drawn alongside Canada – they’d play the hosts in their opening match – Switzerland and Qatar.

Charles has three league matches to further boost sharpness ahead of a clash with the Italians and Pedersen hopes to see his young star on the biggest stage this summer.

“It would be amazing,” said Pedersen. “If Pierce is going, it would be amazing that a young kid of our own (is at the World Cup).

“He will make every Sheffield Wednesday fan proud if he qualifies for the World Cup.

"He has always had a big drive and he showed that every day when he’s injured, and when he’s not injured. He has a big smile on his face right now that he can play again.

“Of course, it’s because he can play for us again but it’s also because he can play for the national team again. He is really looking forward to both and I only wish him all the best.”