GOALKEEPER Tommy Wright, who considered retiring last year because he had suffered so many injuries, has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for next month's World Cup group nine qualifier against Germany.

The 33 year old Nottingham Forest player, who made the last of his 22 international appearances against Mexico two years ago, has come back to form on loan at first division Reading.

"This is a dream. The World Cup match in Germany was the one I was aiming for. Not so long ago I'd have settled for a game in the park on a Saturday. That's how bad things were for me," he said.

"Retirement did cross my mind, I had sufficient medical grounds. But I gave myself a talking to. I love being a professional footballer so I had to do everything to try to carry on.

"Now it's wonderful to get back into my country's international squad."

Manager Bryan Hamilton has also recalled Swindon midfielder Kevin Horlock for the match against the European champions in Nuremberg on November 9th.

But midfielders Jim Magilton (Southampton) and Michael O'Neill (Coventry), who came on as substitutes against Armenia last month, have been left out of the squad because they are not currently in their club sides.

Northern Ireland have made a poor start to their campaign by losing at home to Ukraine and drawing at home with Armenia.

. Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has suffered another injury setback and will be out of action for a further month. The Australian had an operation yesterday afternoon after sustaining damaged knee ligaments.