Craig Cathcart has been named in Northern Ireland’s 24-man squad for their World Cup qualifier against Norway at Windsor Park on March 26.

The Hornets centre-half has been selected by Michael O’Neill, having been ruled out of the games against Azerbaijan and Croatia in the autumn through injury.

The 28-year-old has won 32 international caps to date, scoring twice, and his international manager said: "Having Craig Cathcart is a big boost. In the past two years he has shown he is a top Premier League player."

Northern Ireland are currently second in Group C with seven points after four games, five points behind leaders Germany.

Cathcart's call-up comes after club-mate Steven Berghuis was again selected in the Dutch squad.