NI squad named at lunchtime
Ward and Washington out as O'Neill prepares for crucial qualifier
Michael O’Neill will name his Northern Ireland squad later today.
This will be the line-up to face both New Zealand in a friendly on Friday evening at the National Stadium at Windsor Park followed eight days later by the crucial world cup qualifier in Azerbaijan.
But Jamie Ward is out after being injured in the final game of the season for Championship side Nottingham Forest.
Striker Conor Washington missed out because of the timing of his wedding.
Both Kyle Lafferty and Josh Magennis are available to lead the line if selected.
The squad announcement is expected just before lunchtime.
Before heading to Azerbaijan, Northern Ireland will spend four days at a training camp in Turkey.
They currently sit second in their Group behind Germany on 10 points.