All the players have “real belief” ahead of Northern Ireland’s final two games in the European group stages of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, according to Michael O’Neill.
The Northern Ireland manager, providing a squad update, said the players are confident they can get results against Slovakia away and at home against Luxembourg.
They trained in Liverpool today and will also train there over the next two days before flying to Slovakia on Wednesday afternoon.
O’Neill revealed: “I am pleased to confirm the squad has arrived all fit and looking forward to the week ahead.
“We know the task in front of us and even despite some injuries, which has been a characteristic of the campaign, the group, from players to coaching staff, has real belief and is confident for these final two games.
“To conclude the campaign in front of our home fans will be particularly special, too.”
Northern Ireland’s final two games in the group stages (Group A) of the European qualifiers will see them take on Slovakia at the Kosicka Futbalova Arena in Kosice on Friday (14 November) and then Luxembourg at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park next Monday (17 November).
Northern Ireland currently sit third in Group A with six points from four games, while group leaders Germany and Slovakia both have nine points from four qualifiers. Luxembourg have lost all four of their games to date.
Barnsley midfielder Patrick Kelly is the only new face in O’Neill’s 26-strong panel for the two games.
The squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers is as follows:
Goalkeepers – Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Blackpool, on loan from Birmingham City), Conor Hazard (Plymouth Argyle), Luke Southwood (Bristol Rovers).
Defenders – Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume (both Sunderland), Paddy McNair (San Diego), Conor Bradley (Liverpool), Ciaron Brown (Oxford United), Eoin Toal (Bolton Wanderers), Ruairi McConville (Norwich City), Terry Devlin (Portsmouth), Ryan Johnson (AFC Wimbledon).
Midfielders – George Saville (Luton Town), Isaac Price (West Bromwich Albion), Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers), Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City), Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace), Ross McCausland (Aris Limassol, on loan from Rangers), Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock), Jamie Donley (Stoke City, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie McDonnell (Mansfield Town, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Patrick Kelly (Barnsley).
Forwards – Josh Magennis (Exeter City), Dion Charles (Huddersfield Town), Callum Marshall (West Ham United), Jamie Reid (Stevenage).
