CONOR Hourihane says it would be ‘amazing’ if his Barnsley midfielders Jon Russell or Patrick Kelly could help their countries to next summer’s World Cup.

Russell is with Jamaica who could qualify in the coming days while Kelly has received his first senior call-up for Northern Ireland who also have a chance of reaching the tournament in Mexico, USA and Canada.

Hourihane told the Chronicle: “Both countries have got an opportunity. Jon is obviously heavily involved in Jamaica, Pat is making his first step up.

“It would be amazing for them to be involved in a tournament of such magnitude.

“It’s an incredible opportunity and it will be a special time in America. It would be great for them and for the club so fingers crossed for them both.”

Russell has not started a league game this season and was left out of some squads in October. Hourihane said: “We’re blessed with really good players in the middle of the pitch. Jon has found it difficult from that point of view. He’s firmly in the plans moving forward but he’s got a job on his hands to get back in the team.”

Jamaica visit Trinidad and Tobago in the early hours of Friday morning, then play at home to Curacao on Tuesday evening. If group leaders Jamaica win in Trinidad, they could qualify with a game to spare but may still need a point in midweek.

Northern Ireland are due to play in Slovakia on Friday night then host Luxembourg on Tuesday.

They are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group but can still technically win the group or, more likely, finish second which would put them in the play-offs next year. They could also reach the play-offs in third due to winning their Nations League group.

Jono Bland is in the Wales under 21s squad for their game against Belarus on Friday.

Bayley McCann, currently on loan to Alfreton, is with Northern Ireland under 21s.

Aston Ellard, the Barnsley under 21s attacking midfielder, has been called up for Malta under 21s who visit Germany on Friday then host Latvia on Tuesday.