McLaughlin drafted in for Slovakia showdown after Kennedy and Evans exits

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Ryan McLaughlin last played for Northern Ireland in 2018

Q Radio Sport

Northern Ireland have called up Rochdale's Ryan McLaughlin after injury ruled Corry Evans and Matty Kennedy out of Thursday's Euro 2020 qualifying play-off final against Slovakia.

Evans suffered a hamstring injury early in Blackburn's 3-1 win over QPR, while Kennedy, only just back from a knee problem, suffered a setback in Aberdeen's 2-0 win over Hibernian.

Ian Baraclough has therefore turned to the 26-year-old McLaughlin, brother of Sunderland right-back Conor, who has the opportunity to add to his five caps as he receives his first call-up since the tour of Central America in the summer of 2018.

"Obviously (Corry's) gone and done his hamstring during the Blackburn game, so sadly for him he won't be able to meet up with us," Baraclough said.

"Naturally there's one or two bumps or bruises which you have to deal with when everyone has played at the weekend.

"Ryan can play in multiple positions, he can play one-up, he can play in wide areas, he's got good pace and he's been in and around the group before.

Corry Evans is out with a hamstring injury

There were five games in the Danske Bank Premiership on Tuesday night.

The Big Two clash was off due to international call-ups, including:

 

 

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