Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has included Sunderland defender Dan Ballard in his 28-man squad for Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy, despite the 26-year-old picking up a hamstring injury during the weekend. The squad sees welcome returns for goalkeeper Pierce Charles and midfielder Shea Charles after their November absence, while Preston's Ali McCann also returns.

Key defender Conor Bradley remains sidelined with a knee injury, creating defensive concerns for O'Neill who only has four Premier League players at his disposal. The squad welcomes first-time call-up Kieran Morrison, the 19-year-old Liverpool prospect who has impressed for the Reds' Under-23s with 13 goals in 17 appearances this season. Jamal Lewis and Ryan Johnson drop out of the selection, with no place for winger Ross McCausland.

Northern Ireland face Italy in Bergamo on March 26, with the winner advancing to meet either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final on March 31. Success would secure a place in Group B at the World Cup alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar, offering a significant opportunity for O'Neill's side on the international stage. Manager O'Neill, who also manages Blackburn Rovers, will hope his key players remain fit ahead of the crucial double-header.