Vassell delighted with call-up and affirms his

Milton Keynes-born Vassell, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through his mother’s dad from Lisnaskea in Fermanagh, joins Josh Magennis, Will Grigg and Liam Boyce as the fit strikers available to boss O’Neill for the clash with Austria.

The 25-year old’s selection for the squad ends a long wait for Vassell.

He first came to the attention of O’Neill and Northern Ireland’s chief scout Andy Cousins while playing for Peterborough between 2013 and 2016, where Sandy Row lad McCann, who had won 39 caps for Northern Ireland, was a former player and then manager.

“When I was at Peterborough I was pretty close with Grant McCann, so he knew about my background and he told Andy Cousins, who had come to see Michael Smith at right-back,” admitted Vassell.

“Grant told me it’s a great country to play for and as well as being close I always kind of admired him as well.

“He made it pretty clear: ‘If you get the opportunity, you’re taking it’.

“That was a couple of years ago now, then I met the gaffer (Michael O’Neill) earlier this year when I was at Blackpool and he said I wasn’t far away.

“This time around I’ve been fortunate enough to make the squad.

“I’m delighted and I’m definitely going to take my opportunity.”

O’Neill, whether it is Lafferty or Josh Magennis, is keen on a big, strong striker leading his line in attack.

Vassell, who is the younger cousin of former Aston Villa, Manchester City and England striker Darius Vassell, insists he fits that bill and would be prepared to create havoc if given his chance to shine.

The forward, who is yet to score for The Millers in the Championship this season after netting 13 times for Blackpool last term, said: “I’d say physically I’m strong, powerful and quick enough.

“Also the thing with me is I’m very determined and I don’t like losing, so I’ve always got a bit ex-