Preston North End duo ruled out of international matches along with Derby County and Norwich City men
It was heartbreak for the PNE men on international duty last week
Preston North End duo Ali McCann and Robbie Brady have been ruled out of Tuesday’s international games.
The pair suffered World Cup play-off heartache last Thursday, as both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were beaten. McCann did not feature for Michael O’Neill’s men, due to injury, as they lost 2-0 in Italy.
Brady, meanwhile, was on target in the penalty shootout but Ireland lost on spot kicks, 4-3, in Czechia. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side had gone 2-0 up inside 25 minutes but were pegged back to two-all in the 85th minute.
PNE man, Brady, played 52 minutes off the bench as he earned his 73rd cap for the Boys in Green. It was only his third appearance of the season for club and country, having undergone calf surgery back in September.
Ireland must now play North Macedonia in a home friendly but Hallgrímsson has ruled Brady out of the contest, along with Derby County forward, Sammie Szmodics and Ipswich Town midfielder, Jack Taylor.
“I talked to Robbie this morning and he is gutted he cannot be with us,” said the Ireland boss. “It’s a slight hamstring injury, or pull, or tightness. It is necessary for him to be careful coming back from such a lengthy injury.”
As for McCann, the midfielder has not played since sustaining damage to his ankle on March 11. Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom had given the player half a chance of returning for the final game before the break.
However, it has been reported that McCann will play no part in Northern Ireland’s friendly with Wales, on Tuesday evening. Ruairi McConville, Paddy McNair and Bailey Peacock-Farrell will all miss out, too.