Veteran Josh Magennis Recalled to Northern Ireland Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has recalled veteran striker Josh Magennis, 35, to the national squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Germany, marking his first inclusion since November 2024. Magennis, who has scored 12 goals in 82 appearances, has been performing well for Exeter City despite a recent hip operation, though his international call-up means he will miss Exeter's League One match against Reading, a situation criticized by Exeter manager Gary Caldwell who advocates for cancelling all League One games during international breaks. Alongside Magennis, several players are returning from injury, including defenders Daniel Ballard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown, winger Paul Smyth, and goalkeeper Conor Hazard, bolstering the squad for crucial Group A matches. Ross McCausland, on loan at Aris Limassol, also returns to the squad, while forwards Ronan Hale and Dale Taylor remain on standby, with O'Neill citing positional balance and recent club form as reasons for their exclusion. Despite the squad's strengthened lineup, there is ongoing concern about the impact of international call-ups on club-level competitions in the lower leagues. Overall, O'Neill's selections blend experience and recovery returns to prepare Northern Ireland for important fixtures in their World Cup qualifying campaign.