Michael O’Neill named his first Northern Ireland squad this morning, with former captain Aaron Hughes the standout name in a party of 24 having been persuaded to reverse his retirement.

THE Carling Nations Cup may not have exactly heated up, but Nigel Worthington has certainly warmed up.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has no fresh injuries ahead of their game against Republic of Ireland.

Record goalscorer David Healy has returned to the Northern Ireland squad for the Carling Nations Cup match against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on February 9, while there is also a first senior call-up for teenage striker Liam Boyce.

Gerry Taggart has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for next week’s friendly against Cyprus after coming through his latest injury nightmare.