BRADFORD CITY AFC

City defender Rory McArdle has been called up into the Northern Ireland squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Israel.

Northern Ireland are due to play in Azerbaijan on Friday 11 October 2013 before travelling to play away to Israel three days later on Tuesday 15 October 2013.

McArdle's call up means the defender will miss City's next home game against Tranmere Rovers a week on Sunday (13 October 2013).

The 26-year-old, who is likely be fit to face Walsall this weekend after recent illness, is expected back in the country the day after the Israel game - Wednesday 16 October 2013 - meaning he should in contention for City's trip to Crawley Town the following Saturday (19 October 2013).

The defender missed last month's home victory over Brentford after being called into Northern Ireland's squad for their recent World Cup qualifiers games with Portugal and Luxembourg.

Northern Ireland lost both matches to ensure that Michael O'Neill's men cannot now qualify for next summer's competition in Brazil.


Tranmere 'keeper Owain Fon Williams has been called up into the Wales squad their qualifying matches against FYR Macedonia (Friday 11 October 2013) and Belgium (Tuesday 15 October 2012), which means the shot-stopper is also set to miss the Coral Windows Stadium fixture on 13 October as well.