World Cup 2018: Gareth McAuley back in Northern Ireland squad

World Cup 2018: Gareth McAuley back in Northern Ireland squad.





Gareth McAuley celebrates after scoring for Northern Ireland against Ukraine in the Euro 2016 finals

Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley has returned to the squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Norway next month.

The West Brom player missed last month's wins over San Marino and Czech Republic because of a thigh injury.

Craig Cathcart (knee) is out while there are call-ups for uncapped pair Jordan Jones and George Saville.

NI have sealed a top-two spot but will finish second and progress to a likely play-off if they fail to beat Germany.

Northern Ireland host Group C leaders Germany on 5 October before facing Norway in Oslo three days later.

McAuley was forced off with a recurrence of a thigh injury in June'squalifier victory over Azerbaijan in June.

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