Northern Ireland Under-21s boss Tommy Wright has made several changes to his squad for this month’s Euro qualifiers against Latvia and Greece.
The U21s are due to take on the Latvians in the 2025-27 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying group stage (Group F) at The Oval in east Belfast next Thursday (13 November) at 7.45pm.
And then they will be travelling to Greece to face the current group leaders. That game is at the Municipal Stadium in Livadia in central Greece on Tuesday 18 November (2pm kick-off GMT).
There are no new faces in Wright’s 23-strong panel for this month’s double header.
Barnsley midfielder Patrick Kelly, who played in last month’s home U21 Euro qualifiers against Malta (2-0 win) and Germany (2-1 defeat), has been called up to the seniors.
And three players included last time, Arsenal forward Ceadach O’Neill, Southampton defender Broghan Sewell and Cliftonville midfielder Joe Sheridan, have switched to the Under-19s for Euro qualifiers in Malta next week.
Northampton Town defender Michael Forbes (on loan from West Ham United) misses out this month due to injury, while Aston Villa attacker Cole Brannigan is also crocked.
Nottingham Forest defender Matthew Orr, Celtic midfielder Francis Turley and Larne midfielder Dylan Sloan were all unavailable in October due to injury – and that’s still the case.
Returning after injury lay-offs, however, are West Ham United defender Josh Briggs and Aldershot Town defender Sam Inwood (on loan from Bolton Wanderers).
Greece currently top Group F with nine points (three wins out of three, including an away victory against Germany), while the Germans have six and Georgia have five after three games apiece.
Northern Ireland, who drew with Georgia away in their first game, are currently fourth in Group F on four points. Latvia have a single point from three games and Malta have yet to get off the mark.
Wright said: “It’s disappointing that we have experienced players missing, however it gives others an opportunity to show what they can do.
“We are delighted with Patrick Kelly’s call-up to the seniors as our main objective is to get players into the senior squad.
“Latvia will be difficult opposition, however we will be aiming to get three points at home after two good home performances last month. Greece appear to be the strongest team in the group and that will be a difficult game away from home.”
Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson and Everton midfielder Jack Patterson, who were late withdrawals last month because of injury, are back in the panel.
Also returning to the fold after missing out last month are Blackburn forward Aodhan Doherty, striker Rio Oudnie-Morgan (Billericay Town, on loan from Ipswich Town) and Cliftonville midfielder Harry Wilson.
Tickets for next week’s U21 Euro 2027 qualifier against Latvia are available at irishfa.com/tickets.
The squad for the upcoming qualifiers against the Latvians and the Greeks is as follows:
Goalkeepers – Fraser Barnsley (Everton), Stephen McMullan (Waterford, on loan from Fleetwood Town), Mason Munn (Dunfermline Athletic, on loan from Rangers).
Defenders – Tom Atcheson (Blackburn Rovers), Conor Barr (Cliftonville, on loan from Derry City),Sean Brown (Linfield), Tommy Fogarty (Birmingham City), Josh Briggs (West Ham United), Sam Inwood (Aldershot Town, on loan from Bolton Wanderers), Shea Kearney (Dunfermline Athletic), Jonny Russell (Glentoran), Bayley McCann (Peterborough Sports, on loan from Barnsley).
Midfielders – Ryan Donnelly (Leicester City), Sam Glenfield (Waterford), Jack Patterson (Everton), Darren Robinson (St Patrick’s Athletic, on loan from Derby County), Harry Wilson (Cliftonville).
Forwards – Eoin Kenny (Dundalk), Makenzie Kirk (Portsmouth), Liam McStravick (Airdrieonians), Kieran Morrison (Liverpool), Aodhan Doherty (Blackburn Rovers), Rio Oudnie-Morgan (Billericay Town, on loan from Ipswich Town).
