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Full NI squad reports for duty for friendly games
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BBC Sport·2 days ago

Full NI squad reports for duty for friendly games

Image caption, Michael O'Neill has extended his contract as NI manager until 2032

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Michael O'Neill has extended his contract as NI manager until 2032

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has reported a clean bill of health among his squad as they begin their preparations for Thursday's friendly international against Guinea in the Cadiz area of Spain (17:00 BST).

O'Neill's side will face World Cup-bound France in another friendly encounter on the outskirts of Lille on Monday 8 June (20:10 BST).

The NI boss confirmed on Monday that all 23 members of his panel had arrived in camp before the two matches.

The first game against Guinea will be staged at Estadio Ciudad de La Linea, with the meeting with the French taking place at the Decathlon Arena.

The squad selected for the double-header includes uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O'Neill.

O'Neill must plan without a number of players however, including Dan Ballard, Paddy McNair, Terry Devlin, Eoin Toal, George Saviile and Brad Lyons.

The games will act as preparation for Northern Ireland's Nations League campaign, which commences in September.

"We've had all the players arrive into camp fit and well, which is exactly what you want ahead of an important international window," said O'Neill, who signed an extension to his contract last week keeping him at the helm until 2032.

"The mood within the squad is already very positive, and there's a real sense of optimism as we prepare for the games against Guinea and France.

"The players are looking forward to getting back on the pitch together and testing themselves in two different but valuable fixtures. Our focus now is on making the most of the training time we have and ensuring we're ready to perform well in both matches."

Goalkeepers – Pierce Charles (Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Clarke (Partick Thistle), Luke Southwood (Bristol Rovers).

Defenders – Ciaron Brown and Brodie Spencer (both Oxford United), Trai Hume (Sunderland), Ruairi McConville (Norwich City), Tom Atcheson (Blackburn Rovers).

Midfielders – Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Shea Charles (Southampton), Isaac Price (West Bromwich Albion), Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers), Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City), Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace), Jamie McDonnell (Oxford United), Patrick Kelly (Barnsley), Kieran Morrison (Liverpool).

Forwards – Josh Magennis (Exeter City), Callum Marshall (West Ham United), Jamie Reid (Stevenage), Jamie Donley (Tottenham Hotspur), Braiden Graham (Everton), Ceadach O'Neill (Arsenal).

Sources: BBC Sport

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