Thursday 13 November 2014 22:54, UK
Northern Ireland have called Carl Winchester and Matthew Lund into their squad for Friday’s key European Qualifier against Romania.
Michael O'Neill's team, who have won all three of their qualifying games, travel to Bucharest to take Romania, who sit second in Group F with seven points.
Winchester and Lund were called up as replacements after Jamie Ward (thigh) and Ryan McLaughlin (groin) were forced to withdraw.
I'm delighted for Carl and the club because to have a player come through the youth system is excellent.
Brentford’s Stuart Dallas was on the standby list but was unable to join up with the squad due to fitness reasons.
Winchester, 21, has a solitary cap to his name from 2011 and returns to the senior set-up following a string of impressive performances with Oldham and Northern Ireland's Under-21s.
Oldham manager Lee Johnson said: "I'm delighted for two reasons as he can still play on the Saturday for us because if he is not involved with Northern Ireland, he can come back and play.
"I'm delighted for him and the club because to have a player come through the youth system is excellent.
“Supporters can see the path he has come from to become a full international and it is fantastic for Carl and the club."
Lund, 23, has received his first senior call-up after helping Rochdale make a promising start to life in the third tier.
O'Neill will give defender Aaron Hughes and captain Steven Davis every possible chance to prove their fitness despite being injury concerns.
Southampton midfielder Davis has been in superb form during Northern Ireland’s three-match winning streak but is struggling with a hamstring injury.
Davis had to be substituted during Saints' 2-0 win over Leicester last weekend but, after scans by club doctors, he joined up with the national squad in London on Tuesday night.
Despite that, concerns still exist over his fitness and he will face a final fitness test from the Northern Ireland medical staff before deciding whether to board Wednesday evening's flight to Bucharest.
An IFA statement said: "Steven Davis has joined up with the Northern Ireland squad and will be assessed by the medical staff tomorrow (Wednesday)."
Northern Ireland’s game with Romania is live on Sky Sports 2 HD, with coverage starting at 7.30pm
