Little means a lot for Andrew

04 October 2011 16:35
orthern Ireland have called up Andrew Little and Oliver Norwood for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia and Italy.[LNB] The pair, who have both played for the senior side before, join uncapped Preston defender Conor McLaughlin in being added to Worthington's original squad following a handful of injuries.[LNB]Chief among those is a groin problem that has ruled long-term captain Aaron Hughes out of what would have been his final international appearances before retirement.[LNB]Hughes had planned to lead his country out at Windsor Park for the last time against Estonia on Friday before bowing out with a high-profile clash in Pescara four days later.[LNB]Strikers Jamie Ward (hamstring) and Josh McQuoid (virus) also dropped out of the 23-man party yesterday, while concerns remain over Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who is battling an ankle problem.[LNB]Rangers utility man Little has settled into a forward role on loan at npower League Two side Port Vale this season but has yet to score in three starts and two substitute appearances for them.[LNB]He last featured for his country in the friendly against Montenegro in August 2010, while just one of his six caps has come in a competitive fixture - as a late replacement in a World Cup qualifier against Poland.[LNB]He greeted news of his call-up by posting on his Twitter feed: "Just been called into the Northern Ireland squad for the Euro qualifiers. En route to Manchester Airport now for flight to Belfast. Buzzing!"[LNB]Midfielder Norwood is a product of the Manchester United youth system and, while he has yet to feature for the Red Devils' first team, he is a regular on loan at League One Scunthorpe.[LNB]The 20-year-old is considered one of the most promising players in the Under-21 set-up and has played four times for the full side.[LNB]A dead-ball specialist, Norwood last featured in a youthful Carling Nations Cup squad and started in the defeat to Wales.

Source: Team_Talk