Bolton Wanderers duo called up to Northern Ireland squad

Michael O’Neill’s side currently sit fifth in Group H, having taken three points from their opening six matches.

They host San Marino at Windsor Park on Saturday, October 14 before taking on Slovenia on Tuesday, October 17 at the same venue.

Charles finished last season as Wanderers’ top scorer and has also had a strong start to the new campaign, scoring eight goals in all competitions including a penalty in the 3-2 win against Stevenage.

The tenacious forward scored his first goals on the international stage earlier this year, bagging a brace in the 2-0 victory against San Marino.

Meanwhile, Toal missed the start of the campaign due to injury but started the recent wins against Port Vale and Stevenage.

The centre-back has previously been called up to the senior squad but is still waiting for his full debut.

Former Bolton loanee Conor Bradley is absent from the squad due to injury, having picked up a back issue in pre-season.

Full Northern Ireland squad ahead of the upcoming international break

Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Aarhus, on loan from Burnley), Conor Hazard (Plymouth Argyle), Luke Southwood (Cheltenham Town)

Defenders: Jonny Evans (Manchester United), Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough), Jamal Lewis (Watford, on loan from Newcastle United), Daniel Ballard (Sunderland), Trai Hume (Sunderland), Brodie Spencer (Motherwell, on loan from Huddersfield Town), Eoin Toal (Bolton Wanderers)

Midfielders: George Saville (Millwall), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Alistair McCann (Preston North End), Shea Charles (Southampton), Conor McMenamin (St Mirren), Isaac Price (Standard Liege), Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers), Matthew Kennedy (Kilmarnock), Paddy Lane (Portsmouth), Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock), Dale Taylor (Wycombe Wanderers, on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Forwards: Josh Magennis (Wigan Athletic), Conor Washington (Derby County), Dion Charles (Bolton Wanderers), Callum Marshall (West Ham United)