Italy v Northern Ireland: Who is Kieran Morrison – the uncapped winger in NI squad?

As a result of the impact he has had this season at club level, BBC Sport’s Liverpool reporter Aadam Patel is not surprised that he has been included in Michael O’Neill’s 28-man squad.

“Given the season is having, it wouldn’t have come as a big surprise,” Patel said.

“The numbers he is putting up on PL2 level are really cool and he knows deep down that this or next year is the year that he takes the step up.

“This year a lot more people are finding out about him and he knows his qualities. Kieran will be buzzing and excited as he loves playing football.”

With the likes of Mohammed Salah and Cody Gakpo playing in the same position as Morrison, Patel is unsure if he will get a start in the first team before the end of the season.

But he added that he “needs more proper, first team game time” to develop fully.

“He has shown he is good enough to be at the squad there and if you can be at the squad at Liverpool, why can’t you do it an international level?,” Patel continued.

“He just needs more proper, first-team game time. He is a leader as well, so he is not going to be shy.

“He just needs to show what he can do and keep up with the standards he has set.”