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SPFL men named in Northern Ireland squad for upcoming international matches

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Several SPFL stars have been named alongside men from the likes of Arsenal and Leeds United in Ian Baraclough’s Northern Ireland side.

Motherwell keeper Trevor Carson misses out after knee surgery but Hearts’ Michael Smith could feature alongside Arsenal centre-back Daniel Ballard and Leeds United star Stuart Dallas.

Heart of Midlothian v Dundee - Scottish Championship
Arsenal and Leeds United men are named with Smith. (Photo by Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)

In midfield there’s space for Ali McCann of St Johnstone after his inclusion in the October squad, Aberdeen pair Matty Kennedy and Niall McGinn also involved.

Up front Baraclough has a past and present mix of SPFL talent to pick from. Hearts’ Liam Boyce is in alongside former Jambos Kyle Lafferty and Conor Washington, with former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock striker Josh Magennis also selected.

Northern Ireland face a triple-header of matches starting next week.

Northern Ireland v Norway - UEFA Nations League
The former Well boss has picked players from Arsenal to St Johnstone. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

The most important is a battle with Slovakia, victory in that enough to seal more Northern Irish history with progression to Euro 2020, following their success at Euro 2016.