Soccer

Ryan McGivern back in Northern Ireland squad after two-year absence

Ryan McGivern hasn't played for the North since 2014 
Ryan McGivern hasn't played for the North since 2014  Ryan McGivern hasn't played for the North since 2014 

DEFENDER Ryan McGivern has received his first Northern Ireland call-up in almost two years ahead of Sunday’s opening World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague.

The Newry-born former Manchester City youth star hasn’t been involved at international level since October 2014, when he featured in a 2-0 loss against Romania in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

McGivern had also played in the 2-0 win over Greece, before falling out of favour with manager Michael O’Neill and missing out on the finals tournament in France during the summer.

However, an injury to Craig Cathcart has opened the door for his return to the panel. McGivern (26), who has 23 senior caps, is recalled to O’Neill’s squad after appearing in all seven of Shrewsbury Town’s games this season.

Mickey Mellon, manager of the League One outfit, said he was pleased McGivern was gaining international recognition after some impressive performances for ‘the Shrews’ this season.

“We will be without Ryan for the Cambridge and Oldham games, but I’m pleased that he’s got himself back into that group,” said Mellon.

Also called up is uncapped Rochdale midfielder Matthew Lund. Lund, a 25-year-old central-midfielder, is included in the senior squad for only the second time, the first was the qualifying game with Romania in November 2014. He has previously won six caps at U21 level for Northern Ireland and has scored once in the three outings for Rochdale this term.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic play their first game under new manager Karel Jarolím - who took over after Pavel Vrba stepped down to take charge of Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala - against Armenia on Wednesday night before taking on the North in Prague in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier.

Five players, including goalkeeper Petr Cech, retired from international football after Euro 2016, at which the Czech Republic picked up just one point in three games and failed to make the knockout phase.