Chris Brunt relishing international return

Chris Brunt admits he is glad to be back in the Northern Ireland squad after missing out on Euro 2016 through injury.

The West Brom star has been absent from the international fold this year after suffering a serious knee injury in February which kept him out of the game for eight months.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis has showed plenty of faith in Brunt since his return, starting him in the defeat to Manchester City and Sunday’s surprise victory at West Brom.

Having been a mainstay of the international set-up since making his debut in 2004, the 31-year-old was forced to watch on from the sidelines as Northern Ireland reached the last 16 at Euro 2016.

The utility man is now back in the international fold after being recalled by Michael O’Neill for Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan and Tuesday’s friendly against Croatia.

Brunt is more than likely to add to his 54 caps during the fixtures and believes getting some extra minutes on the field over the next few days will only benefit him in his recovery.

“It’s nice to be back playing generally; it’s been a long few months,” Brunt said. “I was thrown in at the deep end at West Brom but I have felt it a bit this week after a few 45 minutes and two 90 minutes. “At this moment in time it definitely suits me to be playing more games with Northern Ireland but I really do have to take it one game at a time.

He added: “After missing out in the summer I had to see if I am capable of playing at this level both with Northern Ireland and my club and only time will tell that.”

Northern Ireland are 1.62 to win on Friday, with the draw 3.75 and Azerbaijan 6.50.