Villa star named in NI squad to face Canada

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has included Aston Villa’s Steve Davis in his 20-man squad ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Canada at Windsor Park.

Davis, who has been earning rave reviews since breaking into the Villa first team in November, is likely to win his debut cap in midfield as Northern Ireland look to secure they’re first victory at home since beating Iceland 3-0 in 2001.

Wednesday’s game is an important fixture for Northern Ireland ahead of next month’s back-to-back qualifiers away to England and Poland on March 25 and 29 respectively.

Looking to push for a place in that squad is Boston Utd striker Any Kirk who has also been brought into the fold for Wednesday’s game. Sanchez will surely be looking at the former Hearts hitman to fill the shoes of James Quinn who has been suspended from the England game, thus giving the big Boston striker a chance to shine alongside David Healy up front.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Hughes has confirmed that he won’t be retiring from international duty just yet.

The 71-cap player is suspended for the England game following his infamous tussle with Wales’ Robbie Savage at the Millennium Stadium last September.

Hughes has not been named in Wednesday’s squad because of that suspension but has ruled himself in for the Poland game four days later.

The Northern Ireland squad against Canada are: R Carroll (Manchester United), M Taylor (Birmingham), G McCartney (Sunderland), T Capaldi (Plymouth), S Craigan (Motherwell), C Murdock (Crewe), A Hughes (Newcastle), M Clyde (Wolves), C Baird (Southampton), M Williams (MK Dons), D Johnson (Birmingham), K Gillespie (Leicester), J Whitley (Sunderland), P Mulryne (Norwich), S Davis (Aston Villa), T Doherty (Bristol City), D Healy (Leeds), A Smith (Preston), A Kirk (Boston), S Jones (Crewe).

(MB/SP)