Liverpool youngster receives first call-up to Northern Ireland squad for Italy World Cup playoff

The winner of the semi-final in Bergamo will travel to play either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina in the play-off final on March 31.

CALLED UP: Liverpool's Kieran Morrison attempts a shot on goal during the Emirates FA Cup fifth round match at Molineux. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been included in Northern Ireland's squad for their World Cup qualifying play-off against Italy later this month despite an injury scare.

Ballard was forced off in the second half of the Black Cats' Premier League loss to Brighton on Saturday, and is considered a doubt for next weekend's Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park.