Magennis among returnees to Northern Ireland squad

Striker Josh Magennis has returned to the Northern Ireland squad for this month's 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures.

The 35-year-old has scored 12 international goals for the side in 82 caps but has not featured in Michael O'Neill's squad since November 2024.

Northern Ireland will host Slovakia at Windsor Park on Friday, 10 October before welcoming Germany to the same venue three days later with O'Neill also able to welcome back a number of players through injury.

The side were missing a host of players for the opening fixtures of the campaign when they beat Luxembourg and lost to Germany last month.

Dan Ballard, Conor Hazard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown and Paul Smyth are all back from injury.

There is also a return for Rangers winger Ross McCausland, who is currently on loan at Aris Limassol in Cyprus.

First-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles is still out with a shoulder problem, while there is no place in the squad for Dale Taylor or Ronan Hale.

Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Conor Hazard, Luke Southwood

Defenders: Paddy McNair, Ryan Johnson, Daniel Ballard, Ciaron Brown, Conor Bradley, Trai Hume, Brodie Spencer, Eoin Toal, Terry Devlin, Ruairi McConville

Midfielders: George Saville, Ali McCann, Shea Charles, Jamie McDonnell, Paul Smyth, Isaac Price, Ross McCausland, Ethan Gailbraith, Justin Devenny, Jamie Donely

Attackers: Josh Magennis, Dion Charles, Callum Marshall, Jamie Reid

Following this month's double-header at home, Northern Ireland's qualifying campaign to reach the World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico next summer concludes with games away to Slovakia (14 October) and Luxembourg in Belfast (17 October).

Only the team who finishes top of table book an automatic place at the tournament with the runners-up advancing to the play-offs.

Northern Ireland, could, however still make those play-offs should they finish third or fourth by virtue of winning their Nations League group last year.