Northern Ireland: Jonny Evans in squad as Kyle Lafferty and Liam Boyce left out

Evans has not recovered from the foot injury he suffered in May's FA Cup final

Jonny Evans has been included in the Northern Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Lithuania and Switzerland despite carrying an injury.

The Leicester City defender has not played since injuring his foot in May's FA Cup final.

Experienced striker Kyle Lafferty has been left out, while Liam Boyce was not considered because of family reasons.

Liverpool teenager Conor Bradley is included but there is no place for Doncaster loanee Ethan Galbraith.

Sunderland skipper Corry Evans is expected to be fit for the trip to Lithuania on 2 September despite missing the Black Cats' past two matches through injury.

His brother Jonny, who has won 91 caps, was forced off during Leicester's FA Cup final triumph and has not featured in either of the Foxes' opening two Premier League fixtures.

Northern Ireland face Lithuania in a must-win Group C qualifier on 2 September before hosting Switzerland on 8 September, with a friendly against Estonia in between those games on 5 September.

Manager Ian Baraclough acknowledged Evans' selection does not guarantee his fitness, and said he remained a doubt for the three fixtures.

"I've named him more in hope to be honest. He has not started training with Leceister but to have him around for any sort of timescale would be a bonus," Baraclough said.

"We know he is a big doubt, I've named him in the squad but there is a contingency plan if he doesn't make it. I wanted to give him every chance. I've had conversations with him and with Brendan [Rodgers, Leicester manaer] which are ongoing and have been good.

"Nobody is going to put Jonny at threat of losing him for longer than we need to. Even if it means him getting half an hour in the friendly against Estonia would be a bonus but it is a long shot.

"Jonny's wellbeing and getting him right for future matches is of utmost importance. He is a big player for us, he is a big character and great to have around."

The 'door is still open' to Boyce

Boyce began his career with Cliftonville in the Irish Premiership

Hearts striker Boyce, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season on his side's return to Scotland's top flight, asked not to be included.

"I had a conversation with Liam in the summer and he had doubts as to whether it was the right thing or not. I just didn't want him to make any rash decisions" Baraclough explained.

"He has had another addition to the family and with the pressures that that brings, he feels as though spending more time with the family is something that is right for him at the moment so he didn't want to be included in this squad.

"The door is still open to him and I am pleased he hasn't called it a day and retired. Players make a big sacrifice coming away and he just felt it was right for him after the summer not to be involved at the moment.

"Sod's law, he goes and scores five goals and starts the season very, very well. For me to have him as a choice would be great.

Baraclough, who replaced Michael O'Neill as NI manager last summer, also opted not to select 33-year-old Lafferty.

The former Burnley, Rangers and Kilmarnock striker joined Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta in the summer having left Killie following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

Baraclough admitted leaving Lafferty out was a tough decision and that the player was disappointed, but insisted he hopes Lafferty proves him wrong and wins back his place in the squad.

Northern Ireland won only one point, in a home draw with Bulgaria, from their opening two qualifiers in March, leaving them third in the group with European champions Italy and Switzerland both undefeated above them.

Northern Ireland squad

Goalkeeper: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Trevor Carson (Dundee United), Conor Hazard (Celtic).

Defenders: Jonny Evans (Leicester City), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Stuart Dallas (Leeds United), Shane Ferguson (Rotherham United), Michael Smith (Heart of Midlothian), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle United), Daniel Ballard (Millwall, loan), Ciaron Brown (Cardiff City).

Midfielders: Steven Davis (Rangers), Corry Evans (Sunderland), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), George Saville (Millwall), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Ali McCann (St Johnstone), Gavin Whyte (Oxford United, loan), Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough), Jordan Jones (Wigan Athletic), Conor Bradley (Liverpool).

Forwards: Josh Magennis (Hull City), Conor Washington (Charlton Athletic), Shayne Lavery (Blackpool), Dion Charles (Accrington Stanley).