Arsenal forward Ceadach O'Neill has withdrawn from Northern Ireland's squad because of injury, ruling him out of the Nations League matches against Ukraine and Hungary.
O'Neill injury disappoints manager
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said: “We're naturally disappointed to be without Ceadach for the final two games of the campaign. He has been a great asset to the squad in the last international window and everyone here wishes him a swift recovery.”
O'Neill's senior appearances
O'Neill won his first senior cap against Guinea in June and came on as a late substitute in the Nations League wins over Georgia and Ukraine in the last international window. The 18-year-old recently made his first senior appearance for Arsenal, starting in the Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Fleetwood Town, which Arsenal lost in a penalty shootout.
More players ruled out
O'Neill joins Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, and midfielders Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell in being ruled out of the matches against Ukraine and Hungary because of injury. Liverpool's Conor Bradley, who has not played since January, remains a long-term absentee.
Fixtures and squad additions
Michael O'Neill's side are unbeaten at the top of League B2 with eight points from four matches. Northern Ireland face Ukraine at Windsor Park on 14 November at 19:45 GMT before travelling to Budapest to play Hungary in their final match on 17 November. Both games are live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny received their first call-ups to the Northern Ireland squad for the games.
Michael O'Neill said: “The wider squad and staff are looking forward to the two games ahead. We're in a good position in the group and there is plenty to play for. The Ukraine game in Belfast will be an important one for us, before we travel to Hungary for another challenging fixture. We'll be looking to build on the work we've done so far and finish the campaign strongly.”
