ROVERS midfielder Corry Evans has been included in a Northern Ireland squad that has also been boosted by Craig Cathcart's return for the home World Cup qualifier with Norway later this month.

Evans, 26, has not played in more than two months with his ongoing groin issue.

His last Rovers appearance was in the win over Newcastle United on January 2 but he is expected to play some part in the development squad's fixture away to Middlesbrough on Monday night.

Meanwhile, Watford defender Cathcart is available for the first time since the summer's European Championships having battled his own injury problems.

Shane Ferguson's suspension has opened the door for Oldham's Ryan McLaughlin to earn a recall but there is no place for Wigan striker Will Grigg, who has a knee problem, as Michael O'Neill's men look to strengthen their hold on second place in Group C when the Norwegians visit Windsor Park on March 26.