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Michael O'Neill explains Paddy McNair omission

Manchester United's Paddy McNair will only play for Northern Ireland when the time is "right", according to manager Michael O'Neill.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has insisted that he will only call Paddy McNair into the senior squad when the time is "right".

The 19-year-old made his Manchester United debut during Saturday's 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Old Trafford, which had resulted in reports that he could be included in O'Neill's selection for the upcoming encounters against the Faroe Islands and Greece.

However, O'Neill has revealed that he is not prepared to throw the centre-back into international football just yet.

"I want to make sure that, when we bring Paddy in, it is right for Paddy as much as it's right for us. He has played one game for United which is fantastic, but it's a big jump and we have enough quality in defence at the moment," he told reporters.

McNair has featured for Northern Ireland at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels.

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Liam Apicella
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Fulham assistant Manager Billy McKinlay prior to an FA Cup match on January 26, 2013
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