Northern Ireland: Lee Bonis deserves his chance for Euro 2024 qualifiers says Michael O'Neill
The Larne striker is included for the matches against Denmark and Kazakhstan
A number of new faces have been named as part of the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Denmark and Kazakhstan.
Manager Michael O'Neill has expanded his panel from the usual 24 as a reward for players who have done well in training camps over the past three weeks - and as cover for players who will not join the senior set-up until next week after lengthy domestic campaigns.
Among those to get their first call-ups are Larne striker Lee Bonis, West Ham United forward Callum Marshall and Nottingham Forest defender Aaron Donnelly.
Ethan Galbraith and Paddy Lane are recalled, while Jonny Evans, Ali McCann and Shayne Lavery return from injury, as does Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin.
However, Daniel Ballard, Conor Washington, Shane Ferguson and Josh Magennis all miss out due to injury, while long-term absentees Steven Davis, Corry Evans, Stuart Dallas and Liam Boyce are still on the treatment table.
The squad will meet Denmark on Friday June 16th, before returning home to take on Kazakhstan at Windsor Park three days later
Northern Ireland squad for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Denmark (A) and Kazakhstan (H)
Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Conor Hazard (Celtic), Luke Southwood (Reading).
Defenders: Jonny Evans (Leicester City), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle United), Ciaron Brown (Oxford United), Conor Bradley (Liverpool), Trai Hume (Sunderland), Eoin Toal (Bolton Wanderers), Aaron Donnelly (Nottingham Forest).
Midfielders: Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough), George Saville (Millwall), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Shea Charles (Manchester City), Paddy Lane (Portsmouth), Ethan Galbraith (unattached), Isaac Price (Everton), Sean Goss (unattached).
Forwards: Gavin Whyte (unattached), Shayne Lavery (Blackpool), Dion Charles (Bolton Wanderers), Conor McMenamin (Glentoran), Matthew Kennedy (Aberdeen), Dale Taylor (Nottingham Forest), Lee Bonis (Larne), Callum Marshall (West Ham United).