McCourt recalled by Northern Ireland

Nigel Worthington has recalled Celtic FC winger Pat McCourt to his squad for Northern Ireland's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Italy and the Faroe Islands.

McCourt has been included in a 21-man selection that features another returning Celtic player, midfielder Niall McGinn, following his recovery from a metatarsal injury. Worthington says the 26-year-old McCourt gives him "different options" for the Group C games against Italy in Belfast on 8 October and the Faroes in Toftir four days later.

The manager added: "Our back-to-back games are like chalk and cheese and they will offer up different challenges. Pat's been working hard and that's what I require and demand of all our players. Pat believes he can do it and I believe he can do it."

Worthington had hoped to include Adam Barton, 19, but the English-born Preston North End FC midfielder has decided to keep his international options open. "I fully understand Adam's situation," said Worthington.

Northern Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Maik Taylor (Birmingham City FC), Jonathan Tuffey (Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC), Alan Blayney (Linfield FC).

Defenders: Jonathan Evans (Manchester United FC), Stephen Craigan (Motherwell FC), Craig Cathcart (Blackpool FC), Gareth McAuley (Ipswich Town FC), Aaron Hughes (Fulham FC), Chris Baird (Fulham FC).

Midfielders: Grant McCann (Peterborough), Chris Brunt (West Bromwich Albion FC), Jonny Gorman (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Corry Evans (Manchester United FC), Steven Davis (Rangers FC), Niall McGinn (Celtic FC), Sammy Clingan (Coventry City FC).

Strikers: David Healy (Sunderland AFC), Warren Feeney (Oldham Athletic FC), Kyle Lafferty (Rangers FC), Pat McCourt (Celtic FC) Rory Patterson (Plymouth Argyle FC).