Jamie Reid Recalled to Northern Ireland Squad for Nations League Matches

Striker Jamie Reid has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming Nations League double-header against Belarus and Bulgaria. The Stevenage forward missed the previous matches against Luxembourg and Bulgaria due to a medical condition that sidelined him at the start of the season.

Reid, who scored an impressive 22 goals for Stevenage in League One last season, made his senior international debut in March, scoring in a 1-1 friendly draw with Romania. He now has four caps, with his most recent appearance coming in a 2-0 victory over Andorra in June.

Manager Michael O’Neill confirmed that Reid had suffered a blood clot in his leg but expressed relief at being able to include him in the squad, especially with the absence of Shayne Lavery, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. O’Neill emphasized Reid’s positive start to his international career and his experience, stating, “He has had a really positive start to his international career… I think he needs some game time at his club, but he’ll have two or three games before we meet up, so it is nice to have him back.”

Northern Ireland will face Belarus in Hungary on October 12, followed by a home match against Bulgaria at Windsor Park in Belfast on October 15.

Squad Updates:

• Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Birmingham City), Luke Southwood (Bolton Wanderers), Pierce Charles (Sheffield Wednesday, recalled).
• Defenders: Paddy McNair (West Bromwich Albion), Jamal Lewis (Sao Paulo), Daniel Ballard (Sunderland), Ciaron Brown (Oxford United), Trai Hume (Sunderland), Brodie Spencer (Huddersfield Town), Eoin Toal (Bolton Wanderers).
• Midfielders: George Saville (Millwall), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Conor Bradley (Liverpool), Shea Charles (Sheffield Wednesday), Isaac Price (Standard Liege), Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers), Ethan Galbraith (Leyton Orient), Ross McCausland (Rangers), Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock), Caolan Boyd-Munce (St Mirren).
• Forwards: Josh Magennis (Exeter City), Dion Charles (Bolton Wanderers), Jamie Reid (Stevenage), Callum Marshall (Huddersfield Town).

O’Neill also noted that Ronan Hale has not yet received his international clearance after switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland. While he expressed frustration at the delay, he remains hopeful for a resolution from FIFA soon.