'Orns duo in NI squad

Defensive duo Lee Hodson and Adam Thompson have been included in Northern Ireland's squad to face Wales and the Republic in the Carling Cup of Nations.

The Hornet's defenders are included in a highly-inexperienced Northern Ireland squad which will continue to compete in the home nations tournament on May 24 and May 27.

It's a highly experimental squad that sees Hodson and Thompson included, with free agent Gareth McAuley and Rangers midfielder Steven Davis easily the most experienced members.

Hodson has two full NI caps whilst Thompson has the one.

Elsewhere, Don Cowie has been unable to follow his call-up for Scotland's game with Brazil and has subsequently been left out of Craig Levein's squad for the same tournament.

Meanwhile, Hornet's stopper Scott Loach has revealed via his Twitter page that he has failed to make Stuart Pearce's final 23 for this summer's U21 European Championships.

'@scottloach1:Didn`t make final 23…so no more 21s for me. Just an honour to have gained 14 caps for my country. Time to relax and have a few weeks off now.'

Good luck to both Adam and Lee!

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