Chiedozie Ogbene, Shane Ferguson and Brooke Norton-Cuffy were all called up to represent their respective nations in the latest round of international fixtures. Below, is a summary of how they fared.
Flying-forward Chiedozie Ogbene was once again called up to the senior Republic of Ireland ranks for their crucial UEFA Nations League clashes against Scotland and Armenia.
Ogbene was named as a substitute for the game with the Scots at Hampden Park and they looked on course for victory when Sheffield United defender John Egan volleyed Ireland ahead early on, but Jack Hendry’s header levelled things early in the second half.
Ogbene replaced Swansea City’s Michael Obafemi with half an hour to go, as both teams pushed for the crucial third goal. It was Scotland who found it and claimed all three points in the process Ryan Christie converted from the spot to secure a 2-1 win.
He was then an unused substitute for Ireland’s final Nations League match against Armenia in Dublin, with Stephen Kenny’s men triumphing 3-2.
Shane Ferguson has been a regular for Northern Ireland in recent years and was offered the chance to add to his 54 caps for his country when he was included in Ian Baraclough’s latest squad for UEFA Nations League tests against Kosovo and Greece.
Shane was named on the bench for the clash against Kosovo at Windsor Park, entering the action in the 77th minute, as the home side came from behind to defeat Kosovo 2-1 thanks to two goals in the latter stages of the contest from Gavin Whyte and Josh Magennis, who struck in injury time.
Ferguson was among the substitutes again when the team travelled to Athens to take on Greece, replacing Jamal Lewis with 14 minutes left. His team did manager to avoid relegation from their Nations League group, despite a 3-1 loss to the 2004 European Champions.
Arsenal loanee Brooke Norton-Cuffy was called up for England U20s following his fine start to life in South Yorkshire and was set to feature in games against Chile, Morocco and Australia.
However, he was forced to withdraw from the squad to focus on his rehabilitation, following a knock he sustained against Middlesbrough at the Riverside in the Millers’ last league outing.