In a significant setback for Northern Ireland, Jonny Evans will be absent from the team’s concluding Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Paul Smyth, also sidelined due to injury, will not be participating in Northern Ireland’s upcoming match against Finland in Helsinki. Instead, he’ll be staying with Queens Park Rangers for treatment on his hamstring, though he might return for the game against Denmark.
Michael O’Neill has brought in Rangers’ Ross McCausland to bolster the squad in light of these developments.
Uncertainty also looms over goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s participation, with injuries troubling several team members, including Portsmouth winger Paddy Lane, who is struggling with a calf issue.
Despite not playing for Aarhus, his loan club, over the weekend, Peacock-Farrell’s status remains uncertain.
On a brighter note, Derby County’s Conor Washington, previously a doubtful case, has been declared fit after a scan and will join the squad.
In preparation for the Finland match and the subsequent game against Denmark, Portsmouth’s Terry Devlin and West Ham’s young talent Michael Forbes have been incorporated into the squad from the Under-21 team.
Manchester United’s Evans is out with a thigh injury sustained in a recent Champions League game against Copenhagen.
Smyth’s absence is particularly felt following his impressive performance against San Marino, where he scored and assisted in a 3-0 win.
McCausland, who recently shone for Rangers in the Europa League and Scottish Premiership, is seen as a promising addition to the team.
Despite a challenging qualifying campaign with six losses out of eight games, Northern Ireland’s wins against San Marino provide a glimmer of hope.
O’Neill remains optimistic, highlighting the opportunity for younger players to step up in international football and the team’s readiness despite the injuries.
He particularly praises McCausland’s progress through Northern Ireland’s youth system, noting his recent breakthrough at Rangers and describing him as a promising talent.
O’Neill stresses the importance of this campaign’s positive end and the valuable experience it brings, especially for younger players like McCausland, who are just starting to make their mark.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Euro 2024 qualifiers Northern Ireland
Who are the key players missing from Northern Ireland’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers?
Jonny Evans and Paul Smyth are the key players missing due to injuries. Evans is out with a thigh strain, and Smyth is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
What changes have been made to the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming qualifiers?
Ross McCausland has been called up to the senior squad, and Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s participation is uncertain due to injury. Terry Devlin and Michael Forbes from the Under-21 team have also joined the squad for training.
What is the current status of Northern Ireland in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign?
Northern Ireland has faced challenges in the qualifying campaign, winning only two out of eight games, both against San Marino. They have lost the other six matches.
How has Ross McCausland’s recent performance influenced his call-up to the national team?
McCausland has impressed with his performances for Rangers in the Europa League and the Scottish Premiership, earning him a spot in the national team due to his recent form and potential.
What is the significance of the upcoming matches for Northern Ireland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers?
The upcoming matches are crucial for Northern Ireland to end the qualifying campaign on a positive note, especially with the integration of younger players gaining international experience.
More about Euro 2024 qualifiers Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Euro 2024 Qualifiers Update
- Jonny Evans Injury News
- Paul Smyth’s Injury Status
- Ross McCausland’s Rise in Rangers
- Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Campaign
- Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s Injury Concerns
- Young Talents in Northern Ireland Squad
- Northern Ireland’s Performance Against San Marino
5 comments
tough qualifiers this year, but we’ve still got a shot, never say never! #GAWA
Great to see Devlin and Forbes getting a look in, youth’s the future of the team, right?
Really feel for Smyth, that hamstring’s a nasty one to deal with, hope he gets back soon.
McCausland’s been brill at Rangers, excited to see him play for NI, could be a game changer!
omg, not Evans too! NI’s really got it rough with injuries this time huh?