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Paddy McNair handed first Northern Ireland call-up for Romania clash

Manchester United youngster Paddy McNair has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for next week's Euro 2016 qualifier in Romania.

McNair, 19, missed out on a debut call-up against the Faroe Islands last month due to a hamstring injury.

The defender, who has featured three times for United this season including in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, is brought in as cover for Aaron Hughes.

Hughes suffered an ankle injury while playing for Brighton, and despite being named in Michael O'Neill's squad he must be considered a major doubt for the clash in Bucharest.

O'Neill's men have made a superb start to their Group F campaign with three straight wins, including a 2-0 triumph in Greece last month.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Chris Brunt returns to the squad after missing the games against Greece and the Faroe Islands, but Jonny Evans and Alex Bruce are both ruled out.

Northern Ireland squad to face Romania on Nov. 14:

Goalkeepers: R Carroll (Notts County), A Mannus (St Johnstone), M McGovern (Hamilton).

Defenders: A Hughes (Brighton), C Baird, G McAuley (both West Brom), R McGivern (Port Vale), C Cathcart (Watford), R McLaughlin (Liverpool), C McLaughlin (Fleetwood), L McCullough (Doncaster), P McNair (Manchester United).

Midfielders: S Davis (Southampton), C Brunt (West Brom), S Clingan (Kilmarnock), C Evans (Blackburn), O Norwood (Reading), B Reeves (MK Dons), P McCourt (Brighton).

Forwards: K Lafferty (Norwich), N McGinn (Aberdeen), J Ward (Derby), B McKay (Inverness), J Magennis (Kilmarnock), W Grigg (MK Dons).