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Ronan Hale's international transfer from the Republic of Ireland was completed in January Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says it is "nice" to have Ronan Hale available after the forward's international transfer from the Republic of Ireland. Belfast-born Hale, who represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level, received clearance to play for Northern Ireland in January. The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Scottish side Ross County since his summer switch from Cliftonville in the Irish Premiership. Northern Ireland host Switzerland on 21 March and face Sweden in Stockholm four days later in friendly matches, which will serve as preparation for the start of World Cup qualifying in September. "He has gone through the international transfer, which has been well documented, so it's good to get him in, " said O'Neill on Hale. "Ronan has gone back into full-time football, having been at Birmingham at a young age, come back and had an impact in the domestic league - and he's had a very positive impact in a short space of time in the SPL with Ross County. "Until you get a chance to work with a player, you never get the chance to see their strengths and weaknesses in much detail. It's nice to have him in. " Bradley and Ballard out as Hale named in NI squad BBC to show NI men's internationals in build-up to 2026 World Cup The inclusion of Hale, along with young strikers Dale Taylor and Lee Bonis, meant O'Neill opted to leave experienced striker Josh Magennis out of the squad. Magennis, who is playing for Exeter City in League One, has scored 12 goals in his 82 international caps. "I've not brought Josh on this squad because to bring Josh away at this stage of the season and not to utilise him wouldn't be the right thing for him, " O'Neill added. "He can have a little bit of a break but it also gives me the opportunity to have a look at the likes of Lee Bonis, Dale Taylor and Ronan Hale. "It's important that there is a transition in all squads but the players who are left out are still very much important players for us. " O'Neill added it was "a very important year for us" after a positive 2024, when Northern Ireland won their Nations League group in League C. NI will face Slovakia, Luxembourg and the winner of Germany's Nations League play-off with Italy when 2026 World Cup qualifying begins in September. "We come out of a good year where we made a lot of progress, particularly with a lot of the young lads and the potential that they have. "These games in March and June give us the opportunity to look at the squad and prepare the squad in the best way possible for what the challenge will be in September. "You have to move the squad on. It's important that we do that. " Man Utd Amorim news conference & Champions League reaction Switch to centre 'definitely on the cards' - Freeman 'This guy's mega' - how Norris developed into world title contender The nightly lives of four bickering vampires How can first-time buyers make homeownership a reality? Lady Gaga on her new album, biggest fear and love of the UK An exclusive interview with Rishi Sunak The 'rugby student' stepping up to lead Ireland Pre-contract agreements - why are they different in NI? Record-breaker Dunlop 'breaks mould' of modern sporting heroes Meet Jude Mc Atamney - the New York Giants kicker from Derry 'This guy's mega' - how Norris developed into world title contender 'Nunez not to blame - but you felt his miss carried more weight' Rugby family inspires me to be as good as them - Tuipulotu Man Utd's new stadium - 11 key questions Squares is back! Play BBC Sport's new Champions League game Does Verstappen fear Russell but not Norris? F1 Q&A The Hundred draft - who should each team target? Lions watch: Kinghorn & Chessum star but Lawrence injury blow From almost quitting football to Ballon d'Or hope - Raphinha's rebirth Club is in period of change - Ratcliffe. Video Club is in period of change - Ratcliffe 'England had Italy on the ropes but didn't recreate French demolition job' 'Some Man Utd players not good enough & overpaid' What would success look like? Key questions for Hamilton at Ferrari Five talking points from round four of Six Nations England shine in the sun but Cardiff cauldron awaits Driver changes, weather, form in testing - guide to F1's season-opening race Does cricket risk apathy if status quo continues? 'Ingebrigtsen a great but George will have his time' - Danny Mills on son's 3, 000m silver. Video'Ingebrigtsen a great but George will have his time' - Danny Mills on son's 3, 000m silver When could Liverpool seal Premier League title? Dominant France win ends Ireland's Grand Slam hopes. Video Dominant France win ends Ireland's Grand Slam hopes Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.