Pierce Charles has been selected for the Northern Ireland squad to face Italy in their World Cup play-off semi-final later this month.

Charles, who recently returned to the Wednesday goal after his second shoulder injury of the season, could face the Italians when the two sides meet in Bergamo on March 26, the winners then away to either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final on March 31 to see who goes through to the World Cup finals in the summer.

Pierce’s brother, Shea, who had a successful loan spell at Hillsborough last season, is also in the Northern Ireland squad.