Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been included in Northern Ireland's squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy despite a hamstring issue.
Ballard, 26, was forced off in the second half of the Premier League defeat by Brighton on Saturday.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill, who is also managing Blackburn Rovers for the remainder of the season, is boosted by the return of the Charles brothers, goalkeeper Pierce and midfielder Shea, in his extended 28-man squad.
Preston midfielder Ali McCann and versatile Oxford United defender Brodie Spencer also return after missing November's final qualifiers.