Chelsea and Liverpool youngsters get first Northern Ireland call-up

Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough has gone for a mix of youth and experience to face Malta and Ukraine. Picture: Brian Lawless

Chelsea defender Sam McClelland and Liverpool’s Conor Bradley have been handed their first senior Northern Ireland call-ups as manager Ian Baraclough looks to a mix of youth and experience for friendlies against Malta and Ukraine.

The teenagers are included in a 25-man squad for the trip, but the likes of skipper Steven Davis and vice-captain Jonny Evans are among those afforded a rest at the end of the season.