Henrik Pedersen has his number one goalkeeper back in the Sheffield Wednesday team, but Pierce Charles’ recovery from injury will provide a significant boost to Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, ahead of a critical set of games for the country.

After his return from a shoulder injury sustained in January, Charles is set to immediately reclaim his place as Northern Ireland’s starting goalkeeper, as the nation looks towards an away, playoff bout against Italy.

The 2021 European Champions host O’Neill’s side in a bid to make their first World Cup since 2014, having missed the previous two tournaments in Russia and Qatar. The winner of the one-legged tie in Bergamo will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in this summer’s North American showpiece.

Charles will seek to join Yan Valery as the first Wednesday players in over 30 years to compete in a World Cup. John Sheridan was the last Owl to feature in the tournament, representing the Republic of Ireland in the 1994 edition, also played in the United States.

Valery, currently on loan at BSC Young Boys, made four appearances for Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations and played a key role in helping the nation qualify for the World Cup. Wednesday forward Jamal Lowe has also been called up to the Jamaican National team as they seek a place in the tournament via the playoffs.

Looking ahead to the playoff tie tonight, Pierce Charles is expected to join his brother and former Owl, Shea against Italy. Both players began their careers in the Manchester City academy, with Pierce’s opposite number in the tie set to be City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnaruma.

Northern Ireland head into the fixture with the potential of an all-Britain clash against Wales on the horizon if both sides win their respective semi-finals. However, they will go to Bergamo having won only one of their last 11 meetings against the Azzurri.

Two wins lie between Charles’ Northern Ireland and a place in the World Cup this summer. A major test awaits against Italy later this month, but the Wednesday goalkeeper will provide a significant boost to the nation’s hopes after his injury comeback.