Will Grigg has been left out of Northern Ireland’s squad to face Czech Republic, but Tom Flanagan and Michael Duffy have earned places.
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Grigg is the famous subject of the chant “Will Grigg is on fire” which became one of the memorable tunes of Euro 2016.
Grigg’s partner is due to give birth during the period that the team will be away and manager Michael O’Neill has allowed him to stay at home. “His partner is due to have a child and, given that the game is away as well, it’s slightly more hard if he was needed”.
Tom Flanagan of Burton Albion and Michael Duffy of Dundee on loan from Celtic are new names to the squad.
Michael O’Neill’s side will be looking to repeat their incredible feat of reaching Euro 2016 by qualifying for the final tournament in Russian Federation in 2018.
Striker Liam Boyce, who was unfortunate to miss out on a place in the Northern Ireland squad for Euro 2016, has been recalled to complete the squad.
From the 23 players O’Neill took to the country’s maiden European Championship finals in France, Chris Baird has announced his worldwide retirement and there is no place in the squad for either 38-year-old Roy Carroll or 36-year-old Aaron Hughes.
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Northern Ireland are in Group C along with Germany, Czech Republic, Norway, Azerbaijan and San Marino.
