Northern Ireland Squad Shake-Up: Bradley Returns, Evans Absent

Liverpool’s Conor Bradley returns to the Northern Ireland squad, while Jonny Evans will miss upcoming friendlies against Romania and Scotland due to injury. Bradley who previously missed much of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign is back after a back injury sidelined him.

Meanwhile Evans aged 36 who recently featured for Manchester United, is sidelined with calf and foot injuries with manager Michael O’Neill prioritizing his recovery. In addition, Stevenage striker Jamie Reid earns his first call-up after a stellar season scoring 21 goals across all competitions.

Despite not playing since sustaining a head injury, goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell is included. Several familiar faces like Preston’s Ali McCann and Portsmouth’s Paddy Lane return while injuries sideline Conor Washington, Michael Forbes and Terry Devlin. Full-back Conor Bradley aged 20 impresses for Liverpool earning praise from O’Neill for his potential.

The friendlies in March and June serve as preparation for the Nations League campaign in September.