Double boost for Ireland

Monday, 20/02/2012

Northern Ireland have received a double boost - with Shane Ferguson pledging his future to the side and Fulham's Aaron Hughes coming out of international retirement.

Both defenders are in Michael O'Neill's first squad announced today for next week's friendly against Norway.

Newcastle's Ferguson was expected to join the Republic of Ireland but has commited to the north after the departure of former boss Nigel Worthington.

And after talks with O'Neill former captain Hughes (pictured) comes of out retirement.

Full squad: Camp (Forest), Mannus (St. Johnstone), McGovern (Falkirk), Evans (Manchester United), McAuley (West Brom), Duff (Burnley), Ferguson (Newcastle), McGivern (Bristol City), Hughes (Fulham), Hodson (Watford), Cathcart (Blackpool), Carson (Ipswich), Davis (Rangers), Shiels (Kilmarnock), Clingan (Coventry), McCann (Peterborough), Evans (Hull), McGinn (Brentford), McCourt (Celtic), Healy (Rangers), Feeney (Plymouth), McQuoid (Burnley), Ward (Derby), Paterson (Burnley).

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