Saville to link up with his country once more

Luton midfielder George Saville has been named in Northern Ireland’s squad for this month’s World Cup 2026 play-off semi-final against Italy.

The 32-year-old, who made his debut back in 2017, has won 62 caps since then, his last appearance in November when starting the 1-0 loss out in Slovakia, on the bench for the home games against the same opposition and then Germany in October. Saville has played 35 times for the Hatters since arriving on a free transfer after leaving Millwall in the summer, scoring twice, going on to start four of the last five games after a spell on the bench recently.

National boss Michael O’Neill has named only one new face when making five changes to his 28-man squad, bringing in Liverpool winger Kieran Morrison for the contest in Stadio di Bergamo, home of Serie A club Atalanta next Thursday, the teenager having played for his country at U16, U17, U19 and U21 level.

Returning after missing through injury are Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, Preston North End midfielder Alistair McCann, Oxford United defender Brodie Spencer and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles. as missing out are Luke Southwood (Bristol Rovers), Ryan Johnson (AFC Wimbledon), Ross McCausland (Aris Limassol, on loan from Rangers), Conor Bradley (Liverpool) and Jamal Lewis (Preston North End). O’Neill’s side will have to win the play-off semi-final and then a play-off final against either Wales or Bosnia on March 31, to book their place at the World Cup Finals held in the USA, Mexico and Canada later this year.

Squad – Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Blackpool, on loan from Birmingham City), Conor Hazard (Plymouth Argyle), Pierce Charles (Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Clarke (Partick Thistle, on loan from Celtic). Defenders: Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume (both Sunderland), Ciaron Brown and Brodie Spencer (both Oxford United), Paddy McNair (Hull City), Eoin Toal (Bolton Wanderers), Ruairi McConville (Norwich City), Terry Devlin (Portsmouth).

Midfielders: Jamie Donley and Jamie McDonnell (both Oxford United), George Saville (Luton Town), Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Shea Charles (Southampton), Isaac Price (West Bromwich Albion), Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers), Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City), Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace), Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock), Patrick Kelly (Barnsley), Kieran Morrison (Liverpool). Forwards: Josh Magennis (Exeter City), Dion Charles (Huddersfield Town), Callum Marshall (Vfl Bochum, on loan from West Ham United), Jamie Reid (Stevenage).