Rory Donnelly included in NI U21 squad for Denmark friendly

Rory Donnelly has been named in the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad for next week's friendly against Denmark at Stangmore Park.

The Swansea forward opted out of the opening European Under-21 qualifier against Cyprus in May.

This led to speculation that he might be mulling over a switch of allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.

Even if Donnelly does play in Dungannon next Wednesday, he still will have the option of declaring for the Republic.

Players who have represented Northern Ireland at youth and Under-21 level can still switch to the Republic providing they have not played in a competitive senior international.

Given that Donnelly has been included in a 20-man squad, it is being assumed that he has held discussions with Under-21 manager Stephen Robinson in recent weeks and confirmed his availability for the Stangmore Park fixture.

A spokesman for Donnelly said in June that "he hasn't ruled anything out in the future and certainly hasn't closed the door on playing for Northern Ireland".

Doncaster Rovers defender Luke McCullough, who starred for the Northern Ireland Elite team at the recent Milk Cup, is handed his first Under-21 call-up while uncapped Kilmarnock goalkeeper Connor Brennan is also included.

Northern Ireland Under-21 squad

Goalkeeper: Glendinning (Linfield), Brennan (Kilmarnock)

Defenders: McCullough (Doncaster Rovers), L Donnelly (Fulham), Thompson (Watford), McKeown (Kilmarnock), Sendles-White (QPR), Hegarty (Rangers)

Midfielders: Mitchell (Rangers), Carson (Ipswich), Morgan (Nottingham Forest), Ball (Stevenage), Tempest (Notts County), Millar (Oldham), Lester (Bolton), Brobbel (Middlesbrough)

Forwards: R Donnelly (Swansea), Gray (Accrington Stanley), Lavery (Sheffield Wednesday), Reid (Exeter City)