Northern Ireland are hoping to have Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper Pierce Charles available for their huge World Cup showdown with Italy in March.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has confirmed he is hopeful Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles will be available for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy at the end of March.

Charles, 20, is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury after being forced off in the Owls’ 2-0 defeat to Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup at Hillsborough almost three weeks ago.

The talented shot-stopper required treatment on the pitch from the Wednesday medical staff before walking off the pitch with his shirt covering his face, evidently distraught at encountering a fresh setback.

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Charles was sidelined for more than three months earlier this season because of an injury to his opposite shoulder. That particular injury required surgery, meaning he missed 16 Championship matches.

Fortunately, his latest shoulder injury has not forced him to undergo surgery, meaning Owls boss Henrik Pedersen, a fortnight ago, confirmed he expects to be without the former Manchester City youngster for up to two months.

O’Neill issues encouraging Charles update

With that in mind, Northern Ireland boss O’Neill is optimistic Charles will be back in time for their huge World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy. O’Neill’s troops are scheduled to face the four-time World Cup winners in Bergamo on March 26 with the winner, a few days later, facing either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final for a place at the World Cup this summer.

O’Neill told the Belfast Telegraph: “Pierce didn’t have surgery which was a bonus because if he had had surgery he probably would have been out, so hopefully through rehabilitation the injury heals.

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“The time frame was four to six weeks. If that goes according to plan it would give Pierce a good month leading into the game in Italy if not a little bit more.

“We’re just hopeful that the injury heals and he’ll come through and be ready to play in March.”

Charles, who has once again been the subject of interest from French club RC Strasbourg this month, has made eight appearances for his national team, keeping four clean sheets.