Preston North End midfielder Jordan Thompson has been selected for the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The 29-year-old will join Michael O'Neill's team for four matches set for later this month and in October.
Northern Ireland will play away against Georgia on September 25, then host Hungary at Windsor Park in Belfast three days later. The schedule then includes an away match against Ukraine in Slovakia on October 2, finishing with a home fixture against Georgia on October 5. Thompson has made 39 appearances for his national team over the past eight years, his last being in a friendly match against Sweden in March 2025.
Thompson's club form
The selection acknowledges Thompson's regular involvement at Deepdale this season, where he has begun all but one of Preston's official matches. He entered as a substitute against Wolves and netted a late goal in a 3-1 loss. With Ali McCann and Brad Potts out injured, Thompson's role has become more crucial, and he recently served as captain in the match against Lincoln City.
That game resulted in a 1-0 loss, contributing to a tough opening period that has Preston positioned 23rd in the Championship standings with three points from seven matches. Their recent record shows one victory and four defeats from the previous five outings, with their next match away at Queens Park Rangers on September 19. The team's difficulties are also reflected in their goal difference.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill, previously in charge at Stoke City, has included Thompson in his squad for League B, Group 2. The midfielder will report for international duty following Preston's Championship game at Loftus Road this weekend.
Further reading: Lancashire Evening Post
