Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has defended his decision to overlook David Healy, Grant McCann and Sammy Clingan for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Luxembourg, and insisted the door remains open for the experienced trio to return to the international scene.
As his country's record scorer and most capped outfield player, Healy's omission is sure to catch the eye, while McCann and Clingan were both favourites of former boss Nigel Worthington.
But all three men have had changed circumstances in terms of their club football recently and O'Neill has instead opted for the likes of Will Grigg, Josh Carson and Oliver Norwood - all of whom are still eligible for the under-21s - for his first competitive games since taking charge at the start of the year.
"It's not as though I'm picking from 100 players, so those who are not in the squad can still be important for us," said O'Neill, whose side kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2014 finals when they play in Moscow on 7 September.
"Sammy's club situation is not resolved and he is without a club, David Healy was too and he has just signed with Bury.
"David has had 60 minutes of competitive football this season and that is not enough to quite make this squad, but I've spoken to him and he's in my thoughts for future games.
"Grant has not started the initial games for Peterborough but he is on standby for the squad.
"The door isn't closed on them. In fact, it's not closed on anyone who is eligible for Northern Ireland.
"But seven of this squad are under-21s and we want to integrate those players."
O'Neill, meanwhile, is crossing his fingers that Manchester United defender Jonny Evans will be fit enough to feature from the start.
The 24-year-old's international career has been hampered by injury and Worthington's preference to play him at left-back, but O'Neill made a statement when he took the reins by restoring Evans to his preferred centre-half position against Norway and is now desperate for him to lead the back line next month.
Evans has yet to play for United this term - a hangover from the ankle surgery he underwent at the end of last season and a belated return to pre-season training.
But he is now back with the first-team squad and was named on the bench for the weekend win over Fulham.
"Jonny has had his injuries and he had to have surgery but he's made progress with his return and he was on the bench on Saturday," said O'Neill.
"There are 10 days before the Russia game and we hope his fitness can really improve. He is vitally important to us.
"Jonny is very hopeful and optimistic that he will be ready to play.
"I have spoken to Sir Alex (Ferguson) but I also keep in touch with the players directly. The communication between myself, the players and the association is very good and we'll contact them if there are any issues with their fitness."
