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Nations League: Kofi Balmer handed first NI call-up as Jamal Lewis returns to squad

Jamal Lewis returns to the squad for the final two Nations League games
Jamal Lewis returns to the squad for the final two Nations League games

Crystal Palace defender Kofi Balmer has received a first Northern Ireland call-up for the final two Nations League matches against Kosovo and Greece.

The 21-year-old former NI youth, Ballymena and Larne player moved to Palace last month.

Newcastle full-back Lewis returns after a series of injury setbacks last season.

Northern Ireland are third in their group and need a good finish to avoid relegation to the fourth tier.

Ian Baraclough’s team have gone 14 matches without a win in the Nations League and have just two points from four fixtures in Group C2.

Shea Charles and Conor McMenamin retain their place after after making debuts in the Nations League games in June.

Experienced pair Craig Cathcart and Conor Washington, who both missed the four matches in early summer, are not included by Baraclough.

Injury rules out Daniel Ballard while also missing from the June games are Niall McGinn, Liam Donnelly, Brodie Spencer, Luke Southwood, Josh Clarke, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Trai Hume, Charlie McCann and Alfie McCalmont.

Northern Ireland take on Kosovo at Windsor Park on 24 September before completing the campaign against group leaders Greece in Athens three days later.

Jonny Evans will win his 100th international cap if he plays in both fixtures while Steven Davis, who was in Champions League action with Rangers on Wednesday, continues to captain the team at 37.

Northern Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Trevor Carson (St Mirren), Conor Hazard (HJK Helsinki).

Defenders: Jonny Evans (Leicester City), Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough), Conor Bradley (Bolton Wanderers, on loan from Liverpool), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle United), Tom Flanagan (Shrewsbury Town), Ciaron Brown (Oxford United), Paddy Lane (Fleetwood Town), Kofi Balmer (Crystal Palace).

Midfielders: Steven Davis (Rangers), Corry Evans (Sunderland), Shane Ferguson (Rotherham United), George Saville (Millwall), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Shea Charles (Manchester City), Conor McMenamin (Glentoran).

Forwards: Kyle Lafferty (Kilmarnock), Josh Magennis (Wigan Athletic), Gavin Whyte (Cardiff City), Shayne Lavery (Blackpool), Dion Charles (Bolton Wanderers).

Sourced From BBC

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