HULL DEFENDER ALEX Bruce has been called up to Northern Ireland’s squad for the first time, after previously declaring his intention to switch allegiances from the Republic of Ireland.
Bruce featured for Ireland in friendlies against Ecuador (2007) and Poland (2008), while also representing the side at under-21 level.
However, having been largely ignored by Giovanni Trapattoni of late, he has consequently opted to make the switch.
He is now in contention to feature as the side prepare to face Portugal away in a World Cup qualifier.
The issue of switching nationalities has provoked controversy in the past, with Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy and Marc Wilson all having made the switch in the opposite direction to Bruce previously.
Northern Ireland squad to play Portugal in full:
Goalkeepers: Roy Carroll (Olympiakos), Alan Mannus (St Johnstone), Michael McGovern (Falkirk)Defenders: Aaron Hughes (Fulham), Ryan McGivern (Manchester City), Jonny Evans (Manchester United), Craig Cathcart (Blackpool), Alex Bruce (Hull), James McPake (Hibernian), Joe Dudgeon (Hull)
Midfielders: Chris Baird (Fulham), Steven Davis (Southampton), Grant McCann (Peterborough), Oliver Norwood (Huddersfield), Corry Evans (Hull), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Shane Ferguson (Newcastle), Pat McCourt (Celtic), Josh Carson (Ipswich)
Forwards: Martin Paterson (Burnley), David Healy (Bury), Dean Shiels (Rangers), Kyle Lafferty (FC Sion), Will Grigg (Walsall)
