Northern Ireland call-up for Kofi Balmer, Jamal Lewis returns

Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has handed Crystal Palace defender Kofi Balmer his first senior call-up for the UEFA Nations League matches against Kosovo and Greece.

Baraclough's side play League C2 rivals Kosovo at Windsor Park on 24 September 24 and then face Greece in Athens three days later.

Balmer, 21, who joined Palace from Larne this summer, is the only uncapped player in Baraclough's 24-man squad, while there are several other changes after the four Nations League games in June.

Wigan striker Josh Magennis, Sunderland midfielder Corry Evans, plus Rotherham's Shane Ferguson and Newcastle's Jamal Lewis are among those who have returned to the squad.

Baraclough's side lost to Greece and Kosovo and drew twice with Cyprus during a series of disappointing results in their previous four Nations League games in June.

Northern Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Trevor Carson, Conor Hazard.

Defenders: Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair, Conor Bradley, Jamal Lewis, Tom Flanagan, Ciaron Brown, Paddy Lane, Kofi Balmer.

Midfielders: Steven Davis, Corry Evans, Shane Ferguson, George Saville, Jordan Thompson, Alistair McCann, Shea Charles, Conor McMenamin.

Forwards: Kyle Lafferty, Josh Magennis, Gavin Whyte, Shayne Lavery, Dion Charles.