McCauley back for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has recalled Gareth McAuley to his 21-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Austria.

The 25-year-old Lincoln defender missed the victories over England and Azerbaijan because of a calf strain, having won his first cap in June in the defeat by Germany.

Sanchez is down in numbers at the back, because Aaron Hughes is recovering from a hernia operation while Chris Baird is suspended for the match against Wales.

However, the Southampton full-back will be free to face Austria in Vienna in what could be a showdown for third spot.

Cardiff midfielders Jeff Whitley and Philip Mulryne have, as expected, been left out after being sent home for breaking a curfew before the Azerbaijan game.

Strikers Ivan Sproule and Andy Smith – as well as defender Michael Duff – were called up following the pair’s departure, and Sanchez has retained the trio.

Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifying games against Wales on October 8 and Austria on October 12:

Taylor (Birmingham), Carroll (West Ham), Ingham (Wrexham); Murdock (Rotherham), Craigan (Motherwell), Capaldi (Plymouth), Duff (Burnley), McAuley (Lincoln); Davis (Aston Villa), Johnson (Birmingham), Brunt (Sheff Wed), Elliott (Hull), Gillespie (Sheff Utd), Robinson (Luton); Healy (Leeds), Quinn (Peterborough), Feeney (Luton), Jones (Crewe), Smith (Preston), Sproule (Hibs).

Chris Baird of Southampton is available for match against Austria.