McNair could play for NI – if fitness is OK

CHRIS Coleman will be delighted if Paddy McNair links up with Northern Ireland next week – because it means he will have come through today’s game against Preston unscathed.

The 22-year-old has played only two games since New Year’s Day due to a groin problem, his comeback cut short last month when he aggravated the injury.

Earlier this week, though, he was included in Michael O’Neill’s squad for next weekend’s friendly against South Korea in Belfast.

Before then Coleman says McNair is in contention to play a part in Sunderland’s home game against Preston today.

After spending six years as an international manager with Wales, Coleman is now readjusting to life on the other side of the fence as players are called up by their country amid fitness concerns.

He grinned: “I cannot stand international football!

“Paddy is the one. There is nothing we can do to stop him going.

“He has trained well this week, hopefully he will be involved in some way tomorrow and if he comes through that OK then he will go. We cannot say ‘look, we are fighting a relegation battle here’.

“If he’ is deemed fit, then it is Northern Ireland’s call.

“He has trained twice this week and come through the sessions OK. Whether or not he can start against Preston we will see.

“I hope he does go away with Irelandactually, because that means he will have come through tomorrow unscathed. I just hope he comes back to us fit.”

Striker Kazenga LuaLua could also return to the squad today after recovering from an ankle injury - and the extra firepower could be a welcome boost.

Coleman added: “Kaz has trained twice this week and looked sharp, which is good for us.”

Midfielder Darron Gibson is well on the road to recovery following groin surgery in January but is still two weeks away from being considered at first-team level.

On-loan Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter is available again after a three-match suspension but there is a doubt over skipper John O’Shea, who needed an injection to get through last weekend’s game at QPR.

His fitness could determine whether a back five is an option, or whether Coleman sticks with the back four he played at Loftus Road.

Jason Steele is suspended following his red card at QPR meaning Lee Camp will start, with Poland under-21 international Max Stryjek among the subtitutes.