Dad-to-be Grigg to miss Northern Ireland qualifier

Belfast (AFP) – Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says Wigan Athletic striker Will Grigg will miss next month’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic while his partner gives birth. 

Grigg has become a cult hero with Northern Ireland fans since breaking into the international squad, with the chant “Will Grigg’s on fire” a constant soundtrack to their Euro 2016 campaign.

But the 25-year-old’s partner is due to give birth so he will therefore remain at home while O’Neill’s squad head to Prague for the first game of their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.

“Will asked to be excused,” O’Neill told Sky Sports News. “His partner is due to have a child and, given that the game is away as well, it’s slightly more difficult if he was needed.

“He just felt in this situation that he would be better to stay at home and he asked not to be selected for this squad.”

As the Northern Irish return to action following their unexpected run to the last 16 at Euro 2016, O’Neill has given first call-ups to Burton Albion’s Tom Flanagan and Dundee loanee Michael Duffy.

Burton defender Flanagan and midfielder Duffy, whose parent club is Celtic, will link up with O’Neill’s squad for the first time having played for the Under-21s in the past.

In Grigg’s absence, striker Liam Boyce, who narrowly missed out on a place in the 23-man squad for Euro 2016, is recalled.

From the 23 players O’Neill took to the country’s maiden European Championship finals in France, Chris Baird has announced his international retirement and there is no place in the squad for either 38-year-old Roy Carroll or 36-year-old Aaron Hughes.

Northern Ireland will also play Germany, Norway, Azerbaijan and San Marino in qualifying Group C.

Northern Ireland squad announced Wednesday for the World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague on September 4:

Goalkeepers: Michael McGovern (Norwich/ENG), Alan Mannus (St Johnstone/SCO), Trevor Carson (Hartlepool/ENG)

Defenders: Gareth McAuley (West Brom/ENG), Jonny Evans (West Brom/ENG), Craig Cathcart (Watford/ENG), Conor McLaughlin (Fleetwood/ENG), Lee Hodson (Rangers/SCO), Michael Smith (Peterborough/ENG), Tom Flanagan (Burton/ENG)

Midfielders: Steve Davis (Southampton/ENG), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen/SCO), Ollie Norwood (Brighton/ENG), Corry Evans (Blackburn/ENG), Jamie Ward (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Shane Ferguson (Millwall/ENG), Stuart Dallas (Leeds/ENG), Paddy McNair (Sunderland/ENG), Michael Duffy (Dundee/SCO)

Forwards: Kyle Lafferty (Norwich/ENG), Josh Magennis (Charlton/ENG), Conor Washington (QPR/ENG), Liam Boyce (Ross County/SCO)