Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been included in Northern Ireland's squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy, despite a hamstring injury. The return of the Charles brothers, goalkeeper Pierce and midfielder Shea, is also significant. Key defender Conor Bradley is sidelined due to a knee injury, but there is a first call up for 19-year-old Kieran Morrison. The winner of the play-offs will face Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final.