Michael O'Neill has named a 26-man squad for this month's Euro qualifying double header.
Northern Ireland take on San Marino away on March 23 followed by a home clash with Finland three days later.
It will be the first two hurdles in what will hopefully be a positive campaign for the returning O'Neill.
Read more: Northern Ireland squad announcement live updates
The international boss revealed his squad on Tuesday morning at Windsor Park. During his press conference he discussed the inclusion of newcomers Isaac Price, Eoin Toal, Sean Goss and Cameron McGeehan.
He also explained Kyle Lafferty's omission and Dale Taylor's progress, and was asked out Cliftonville winger Sean Moore who is enjoying a sensational season in the Irish Premiership.
Here are five of the main talking points and what O'Neill said during the open section of his press conference:
Four new faces
On the inclusion of Isaac Price, Eoin Toal, Sean Goss and Cameron McGeehan
MON: "McGeehan and Goss are probably the two that people would know the least about. They're both players who were on my radar during my first phase in the job.
"Cameron was involved at Under 21 level and we had spoken about Sean's involvement with Northern Ireland through eligibility back then.
"They are both at different stages of their careers now and are keen to be involved. And they add something to a squad that has been challenged with the injuries in midfield. Steven Davis is out, Corry Evans and most recently Alistair McCann, on top of Stuart Dallas.
"They are four players who would start a lot of games for Northern Ireland and they are all missing. So that presents an opportunity to Cameron and Sean.
"Eoin Toal is a young player I have watched quite a bit of. He has had quite a similar route in football to Gareth McAuley, in terms of having to wait for his chance.
"But I remember him playing for us at Under 19 and 21 level and every time I have seen him this season for Bolton he has played very well. I have watched him four times since coming back into the job in December.
"He is versatile. He can play on the right, the left, and is playing in a good Bolton team challenging for promotion. And he has made the transition into English football pretty straightforward.
"Isaac Price is a young player who we should be excited about, but he is here for the experience. I watched him for Everton Under 21s against PSV in the Premier League Cup and I was very impressed by how he played.
"He is a player I knew because he was in our system from 14 or 15 and there has been a lot of work done with players such as Isaac and Shea Charles. Players who weren't born here but have been in our system for quite some time.
"That is work that has been done by Andy Cousins and Jim Magilton over the years, and more recently Andy Waterworth. They have come through the pathway and are now in the senior international camp."
Where Jonny Evans is at fitness wise?
MON: "I have spoken to Jonny pretty much every week over the past period. He was coming on really well despite having a slight setback. He picked up a slight thigh strain which set him back a couple of weeks.
"But he is back training on the grass and Leicester were hoping he would be available for an Under 21 game either this week or before the international break.
"It is obviously a big boost having Jonny back fit. His priority is Leicester, but equally being a player who has over 100 caps he is very keen his international career is prolonged as long as possible.
"Hopefully he is okay to play. I think Jonny is as good as anyone at returning from injury and slotting into big games."
On Kyle Lafferty's omission
Asked if the Linfield striker remains a part of future plans...
MON: "That will depend on his form, simple as that. Every time you pick an international squad you pretty much pick it on the here and the now, and also the players who have done well for you and you have loyalty within that.
"Kyle has had a very difficult season. He missed a huge chunk due to suspension and his contract situation which was then terminated with Kilmarnock, and he is in the Irish League now with Linfield.
"I have watched his recent games back and I have had people at the games and he is at that stage where he still looking for form and fitness. And at this minute of time I don't think international football would be the right thing for him.
"But the door isn't shut. It will never be shut in any player, and I suppose it is down to the player to find that form and fitness."
Dale Taylor
Could the Nottingham Forest striker be the answer to NI's goalscoring problems?
MON: "Well I haven't had a game yet so I don't have any goalscoring problems just at this minute in time. That might be down the line.
"With Dale, he is a young player. I have seen him come through the JD Academy and he is very well thought of at Forest. He needed a loan move and it is good he got one at this stage of his career.
"And Burton have picked up since Dale went there. I am not saying that is solely down to Dale but he did score in his opening games and is holding his place in the team.
"He is handling it very well, and supporters like to see young players. And I know what it means for `Dale to play for Northern Ireland and he has an eye for goal.
"We don't want to place too much dependancy on him, but hopefully this is just the start of a Northern Ireland career which lasts a long, long time.
"He is a goalscorer and always has been, and hopefully he will continue that when given the opportunity."
Sean Moore
Michael O'Neill was asked about Cliftonville teen winger Sean Moore and whether he was tempted to include the 17-year-old.
Check out what O'Neill said HERE
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