Mccann Ruled Out Of Italy Play-off Semi-final

Ali McCann has been ruled retired of Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy successful Bergamo.

NI head Michael O'Neill was hopeful that nan Preston midfielder would beryllium fresh to look nan Italians, but he has not recovered from nan sound he picked up against Coventry City a fortnight ago.

McCann was forced disconnected successful nan first half of nan Championship crippled pinch his nine leader Paul Heckingbottom saying it was "not good" astatine nan time.

"He had 2 horrendous tackles connected him," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "It's looking for illustration it's interaction that's injured him astatine this moment."

It's different setback for Northern Ireland aft Daniel Ballard was besides ruled retired owed a hamstring wounded and are already missing Conor Bradley.

O'Neill has whittled down his squad up of tonight's crippled pinch nan knowledgeable Dion Charles joining McCann connected nan sidelines on alongside Liverpool starlet Kieran Morrison, Jamie McDonnell and Josh Clarke.

Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson though retains his spot successful nan 23-man panel.