McCourt handed N Ireland call-up

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Nigel Worthington names his panel for Northern Ireland's World Cup game away to the Czech Republic.

Pat McCourt's good form for Celtic has earned him a call-up to the Northern Ireland panel for the final World Cup qualifier away to the Czech Republic.

The former Derry City man has scored in Celtic's last two matches, the second a fine individual effort at St Mirren.

With Burnley striker Martin Paterson ruled out because of injury, Warren Feeney returns after a hip problem.

Rangers front man Kyle Lafferty, who missed the home defeat by Slovakia, is also back in Nigel Worthington's squad.

Although qualification is still mathematically possible, that 2-0 defeat at Windsor Park effectively killed off Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching the 2010 finals in South Africa.

"We are still in the fight, and that shows the progress we have made," said Worthington.

"I have been happy with the results, we just let ourselves down against Slovakia last time round."

Worthington said he would talk to the Irish FA about a possible new contract once the qualification campaign was over.

"The president and chief executive asked me if I wanted a game in November and I said yes," he added.

"So hopefully we will get a game sorted then.

"I said I did not want any distractions during the campaign and the IFA accepted that.

"They have been very supportive and I have enjoyed my work with them."

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Northern Ireland squad: Taylor (Birmingham City), Mannus (Shamrock Rovers), Tuffey (Partick Thistle); Craigan (Motherwell), Hughes (Fulham), McAuley (Ipswich Town), Baird (Fulham), Evans (Manchester United), McCartney (Sunderland), Coates (Crusaders); McCann (Scunthorpe United), Brunt (West Bromwich Albion), McGinn (Celtic), Clingan (Coventry City), Johnson (Birmingham City), Davis (Rangers), McCourt (Celtic); Healy (Sunderland), Little (Rangers), Lafferty (Rangers), Feeney (Cardiff City).