McCann on standby for Northern Ireland

Last updated : 30 September 2008 By Daniel Elwes
McCann, 28, has been told he is on standby for the games - meaning if any of the six midfielders in the squad withdraw, he is likely to step up.

Those players are: Steve Davis (Rangers), Keith Gillespie (Sheffield United), Michael O'Connor (Crewe Alexandra), Sammy Clingan (Norwich City), Chris Brunt (WBA) and Dean Shiels (Hibernian).

The squad includes the former Iron forward Martin Paterson, who moved to Burnley in the summer.

Nigel Worthington's side head to Slovenia on Saturday October 11, before hosting San Marino on Wednesday 15.