Healy back in NI squad with Derry's McClean called up

David Healy has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroe Islands while Derry City winger James McClean is handed his first call-up.

Healy, Northern Ireland's record goalscorer, was left out of the squad for the Nations Cup games against the Republic of Ireland and Wales in May.

With Kyle Lafferty ruled out, Martin Paterson and Jamie Ward earn recalls.

St Johnstone keeper Alan Mannus replaces injured Maik Taylor.

Healy's Rangers club-mate Lafferty is sidelined after undergoing a hernia operation while Chris Brunt is ruled out by suspension.

Mannus, who recently moved from Shamrock Rovers to St Johnstone, takes one of the three goalkeeper slots with veteran keeper Taylor ruled out for the 10 August game at Windsor Park by a shoulder injury.

Derby County striker Ward has been on the bench for four Northern Ireland games but has yet to earn a cap.

Burnley forward Paterson has not featured for Nigel Worthington's side since coming on as a substitute against Montenegro last August.

Healy, 31, spoke of his disappointment after being omitted for the Nations Cup games in May.

The striker, who has scored 35 international goals, was handed a one-year contract extension by Rangers in June.

Image caption, James McClean is having a superb season for Derry City

Healy has not played since coming on as a substitute in the qualifier against Serbia in March.

He picked up a booking in that game which ruled him out of the clash against Slovenia before being omitted for the two Nations Cup games in May.

Healy made clear his unhappiness at being left out for the games against the Republic of Ireland and Wales but is now back in favour.

"Like everyone else, he'll (Healy) will be watched and monitored when we meet up on 7 August," said Worthington.

Derry native McClean has been producing outstanding form for his home town club in this year's Airtricity League.

A mooted move to Peterborough United fell through because the player could not agree personal terms but McClean is now being linked with Wigan Athletic.

Worthington said that McClean is unlikely to get any action against the Faroes but that he will have the chance to impress in the squad environment.

McClean will be in action for the Airtricity League Select in this weekend's Dublin Super Cup in games against Manchester City and Celtic.

The manager added that the door remains open for Stephen Craigan to return to the squad if he reverses his recent decision to retire from international duty.

Northern Ireland head into the match second bottom of Group C - two points above the Faroes - having picked up six points from their first five games.

They lie five points behind second-placed Slovenia but have games in hand on all their rivals.

Northern Ireland squad

Goalkeepers - Tuffey (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Camp (Nottingham Forest), Mannus (St Johnstone)

Defenders - J Evans (Manchester United), McGivern (Manchester City), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), Hughes (Fulham), Hodson (Watford)

Midfielders - Baird (Fulham), McCann (Peterborough United), McGinn (Celtic - on loan at Brentford), Gorman (Wolves), C Evans (Hull City), Davis (Rangers), Clinghan (Coventry City), McCourt (Celtic)

Forwards - Feeney (Oldham Athletic), McQuoid (Millwall), McClean (Derry City), Healy (Rangers), Ward (Derby County), M Paterson (Burnley).