O’neill recalls Smith to Northern Ireland squad after two-year absence

Michael Smith was last night celebrating his return to the Northern Ireland squad, which was yesterday named for next month’s matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Israel.

The Hearts right-back has not been involved since October 2016, but has been recalled by manager Michael O’ Neill. His Tynecastle team-mate Aaron Hughes, who holds the British record for an outfield player of 112 caps, has a chance to add to his tally while, following his transfer from Hearts to Rangers this week, Kyle Lafferty is also included along with Scottish Premiership players Trevor Carson of Motherwell, Kilmarnock’s Jordan Jones and Aberdeen’s Niall Mc Ginn.

Will Grigg has also been recalled by O’neill for the first time in almost two years. The Wigan striker, who has scored three goals in four games this season, has not played for his country since November 2016.

A host of other names return to the squad after they missed the summer friendlies against Panama and Costa Rica, including captain Steven Davis, Oliver Norwood, Jamie Ward and Conor Washington.

Chris Brunt, who won 65 caps, is not involved after announcing his international retirement earlier this week.

O’neill’s side play their Uefa Nations League opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Windsor Park on 8 September, with Israel visiting for a friendly three days later.