NI boss O’Neill won’t rule out McNair call-up

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a late call-up for Ballyclare teenager Paddy McNair ahead of next week’s Euro qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Greece.
Manchester United's Paddy McNair.Manchester United's Paddy McNair.
Manchester United's Paddy McNair.

McNair was handed a surprise start for Manchester United in Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Ham.

He wasn’t named in O’Neill’s squad which was announced yesterday but the international team boss told the News Letter: “We have enough cover in that position and I want to make sure when we bring Paddy into the squad, it is right for Paddy as much as it is for us.

“I will monitor the situation between now and the squad meeting up on Monday. There are one or two players carrying knocks and it’s still an option to add him to the squad.

Michael O'NeillMichael O'Neill
Michael O'Neill

“It’s great to see a young player from Northern Ireland making the breakthrough at a club like Manchester United, but I don’t want to put too much expectation on him at this stage.”

Newtownabbey natives Jonny Evans, Corry Evans and Craig Cathcart have been included in the 27-man panel.