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Gareth Fullerton

Northern Ireland squad announcement: Kofi Balmer included in panel for Nations League games

Kofi Balmer has been included in Ian Baraclough's squad for Northern Ireland's final two UEFA Nations League games this month.

Northern Ireland complete their League C Group 2 campaign against Kosovo at Windsor Park on Saturday, September 24 before travelling to Greece three days later.

Former Irish League defender Balmer recently earned a move to Crystal Palace and has previously featured for Northern Ireland at underage level.

Read more: Rangers beat Napoli with a little help from Northern Ireland teens

The defender, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Monday, previously played for his country at Under 21 and U19 level.

He is the only uncapped player in a squad searching for its first win in this season's Nations League.

Ian Baraclough (INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry)

Last time they out Northern Ireland snatched a late draw against Cyprus at Windsor Park, with Jonny Evans' injury time equaliser salvaging a point.

Several regulars return after missing the last international window. Josh Magennis, Corry Evans, Shane Ferguson, Tom Flanagan and Conor Hazard are all included.

Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis is also part of the panel after recovering from a series of injury setbacks last season.

Meanwhile, Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin retains his place, as does Manchester City youngster Shea Charles.

Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard is not available for the final two games of the campaign due to injury, while a number of players including Niall McGinn, Liam Donnelly, Brodie Spencer, Charlie McCann and Alfie McCalmont miss out.

Watford defender Craig Cathcart and Rotherham United striker Conor Washington, who both missed the four matches in early summer, have not been included in the panel.

Stuart Dallas remains a long-term injury absentee.

Squad

Goalkeepers – Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Luke Southwood (Cheltenham Town, on loan from Reading), Conor Hazard (HJK Helsinki).

Defenders – Jonny Evans (Leicester City), Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough), Conor Bradley (Bolton Wanderers, on loan from Liverpool), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle United), Tom Flanagan (Shrewsbury Town), Ciaron Brown (Oxford United), Paddy Lane (Fleetwood Town), Kofi Balmer (Crystal Palace).

Midfielders – Steven Davis (Rangers), Corry Evans (Sunderland), Shane Ferguson (Rotherham United), George Saville (Millwall), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Shea Charles (Manchester City), Conor McMenamin (Glentoran).

Forwards – Kyle Lafferty (Kilmarnock), Josh Magennis (Wigan Athletic), Gavin Whyte (Cardiff City), Shayne Lavery (Blackpool), Dion Charles (Bolton Wanderers).

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