Bolton Wanderers defender Eoin Toal has had to withdraw from the Northern Ireland senior men’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden due to injury.
Motherwell defender Kofi Balmer has been called up to replace Toal in the panel. The 24-year-old, who has been in the senior squad previously, played 20 times for Northern Ireland’s Under-21s but has yet to make his senior debut.
Providing a squad update this morning, Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill also revealed he has included 20-year-old striker Jamie Donley (pictured) in his senior squad for the first time.
Donley, who is currently on loan at EFL League One side Leyton Orient from Tottenham Hotspur, has previously played for both Northern Ireland and England at youth level.
O’Neill said: “We are naturally disappointed for Eoin to withdraw so early on in the camp, however I am confident that Kofi can come in and make an impact.
“We’re also pleased to welcome Jamie into the squad. He is a young player that we have been tracking for some time.
“We are waiting on the relevant paperwork from FIFA to be processed before we can determine whether he plays an active role in any of the games, but having him in and around the place to familiarise himself with the place and stuff I felt was important.”
Donley was born in Antrim but brought up in England. His dad is originally from Northern Ireland, while his mum is English.
During his loan spell with Leyton Orient this season he has netted six goals and provided six assists in 27 appearances.
He played for England at U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 level, while he has also previously played for Northern Ireland at U15, U16 and U19 level.
To date he has played for the Spurs first team on three occasions, all coming last season.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland manager further revealed that all other members of what is now a 26-strong squad are fit and raring to go.
Ahead of training today, O’Neill said: “I’m looking forward to regrouping for these important warm-up games against very good opposition.”
Northern Ireland are due to play Switzerland in an international challenge match at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast on Friday (21 March).
And next Tuesday (25 March) they will face Sweden in a friendly at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.
Both games, and a further two friendlies in June, will help O’Neill, his coaching staff and his players prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers this autumn.
