Andy Little replaces Magennis in Northern Ireland squad

Andy Little has been drafted into the Northern Ireland squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Israel.

The versatile Rangers player replaces Aberdeen striker Josh Magennis, who has withdrawn from the panel because of a knee injury.

Little, who made his Northern Ireland debut in 2009, said he was "delighted" to be back in the squad.

O'Neill's men take on Azerbaijan on Friday and Israel four days later.

Fulham defender Aaron Hughes misses the qualifiers because of a groin injury, with Bradford City's Rory McArdle coming in as his replacement.

Chris Brunt, Chris Baird and Sammy Clingan return but there is no place for Barnsley winger Paddy McCourt.

Striker Kyle Lafferty is banned for the Azerbaijan game and is on standby for the Tel Aviv clash with Israel.

O'Neill's team are fourth in Group F, ahead of Luxembourg on goal difference and a point clear of bottom side Azerbaijan.

Northern Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Roy Carroll, Alan Mannus, Michael McGovern.

Defenders: Gareth McAuley, Jonathan Evans, Alex Bruce, Lee Hodson, Daniel Lafferty, Craig Cathcart, Rory McArdle.

Midfielders: Chris Baird, Steven Davis, Oliver Norwood, Niall McGinn, Shane Ferguson, Corry Evans, Chris Brunt.

Forwards: Will Grigg, Billy McKay, Martin Paterson, Jamie Ward, Andy Little.