James McPake recalled to Northern Ireland squad for Portugal match

HIBS skipper James McPake was today recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for the crucial World Cup qualifying match against Portugal in Porto on Tuesday week.

McPake made his international debut for Michael O’Neill’s side in a summer friendly with Holland but was overlooked as the Irish began their World Cup campaign with games against Russia and Luxembourg last month.

McPake is joined in the squad by Easter Road team-mate Ryan McGivern, the on-loan Manchester City defender hoping to win his 19th cap.