NI's O'Neill ruled out of Nations League matches

Arsenal forward Ceadach O'Neill has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Nations League matches against Ukraine and Hungary because of injury.

O'Neill won his first senior cap against Guinea in June and came on as a late substitute in the Nations League wins over Georgia and Ukraine in the last international window.

The 18-year-old, who now has four international caps, recently made his first senior appearance for Arsenal, starting in the Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Fleetwood Town, which the Gunners lost in a penalty shootout.

O'Neill joins Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, and midfielders Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell in being ruled out of the upcoming double-header because of injury.

Liverpool's Conor Bradley, who has not played since January, remains a long-term absentee.

Michael O'Neill's side are unbeaten at the top of League B2 with eight points from four matches and can earn promotion to the top tier for the first time.

Northern Ireland face Ukraine at Windsor Park on Saturday, 14 November at 19:45 GMT, before they travel to Budapest to play Hungary in their final match on Tuesday, 17 November.

Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny received their first call-ups to the NI squad for the games.

"We're naturally disappointed to be without Ceadach for the final two games of the campaign. He has been a great asset to the squad in the last international window and everyone here wishes him a swift recovery," said NI manager O'Neill.

"The wider squad and staff are looking forward to the two games ahead. We're in a good position in the group and there is plenty to play for.

"The Ukraine game in Belfast will be an important one for us, before we travel to Hungary for another challenging fixture. We'll be looking to build on the work we've done so far and finish the campaign strongly."

Northern Ireland are the only side left in the entire Nations League who have yet to concede a goal in this year's competition.

Shea Charles scored a last-gasp winner in Georgia in September before a goalless draw at home to Hungary.

A 3-0 victory over Ukraine was one of the most impressive performances from O'Neill's young side, and they ended the quadruple-header with another goalless draw, this time at home to Georgia.

If Northern Ireland can top the group they would not only win promotion to League A, but they would also be all but guaranteed of a play-off for Euro 2028.