Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has handed Crystal Palace defender Kofi Balmer his first senior call-up for the UEFA Nations League matches against Kosovo and Greece. Balmer, 21, who joined Palace from Larne this summer, is the only uncapped player in Baraclough’s 24-man squad, while there are several other changes after the four Nations League games in June. Baraclough has come under pressure after his side lost to Greece and Kosovo and drew twice with Cyprus during a series of disappointing results in their previous four Nations League games in June. “We got better as the four games went on, but still, clearly the results weren’t good enough for where we want to be and expect to be. Although he was initially named in the squad, Trevor is having to look after himself between games.”

Source: The Herald September 15, 2022 22:39 UTC