Northern Ireland visit Romania and host Norway in the Nations League next month
Monday 24 August 2020 13:56, UK
Oxford United winger Joel Cooper has earned his maiden Northern Ireland call-up as part of Ian Baraclough's first squad since becoming manager.
The 24-year-old winger has represented the U21s five times but could now make his senior debut away to Romania on September 4 or at home to Norway three days later as Northern Ireland begin their Nations League campaign.
Cooper is joined in the squad by Corry Evans after the Blackburn midfielder recovered from a serious injury. He was due to miss March's Euro 2020 play-offs before they were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rangers winger Jordan Jones and Charlton striker Conor Washington have been recalled by Baraclough, with the duo set to make their first international appearances since June and September 2019, respectively.
Captain Steven Davis is included and will draw level with Pat Jennings' all-time appearances record of 119 if he plays in both fixtures, while Linfield striker Shayne Lavery has also been called-up.
The fixtures will be the first for Baraclough, who stepped up from the U21s to replace O'Neill in June.
As expected, Oxford United midfielder Mark Sykes is not in the squad. Sky Sports News reported on Sunday that the 23-year-old is set to switch his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.
Before his change of heart, Sykes was expected to be part of Baraclough's squad, having been part of the new manager's team when he was in charge of the U21s.
Asked for his reaction to Sykes' decision, Baraclough said: "It's one of massive disappointment for me and everyone within the association.
"Mark's a player we've worked long and hard with, not just me but coaches and managers before that, and he's one we expected to carry on in his pathway.
"The player rang me. Respect to him for picking up the phone but it was disappointing to hear from him.
"Subsequently there were many phone calls over the weekend to try and encourage him to think more about his decision but we think his mind is made up, so we have to move on.
"I think I said a few weeks ago, I want players who want to play for Northern Ireland and are fully committed, 100 per cent, and that's what we're going to focus on."
Sykes was called into the senior side three times by former manager Michael O'Neill but never made an appearance.
Goalkeepers: Michael McGovern, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Trevor Carson
Defenders: Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart, Stuart Dallas, Shane Ferguson, Conor McLaughlin, Jamal Lewis, Michael Smith, Tom Flanagan
Midfielders: Steven Davis, Niall McGinn, Corry Evans, Paddy McNair, George Saville, Gavin Whyte, Jordan Jones, Jordan Thompson, Matthew Kennedy, Joel Cooper
Forwards: Kyle Lafferty, Josh Magennis, Conor Washington, Liam Boyce, Shayne Lavery
