McArdle chosen alongside former Dale favourite

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Rory McArdle.

Rochdale defender Rory McArdle could play alongside former Dale wing-wizzard Paddy McCourt after the pair were chosen for Northern Ireland's B squad to take on Scotland B on Wednesday 6 May.

However the young centre-half may be forced to pull out of the squad because his club may be playing a crucial play-off game the following evening.

If Dale can pick up the required point to make the play-offs in either of their remaining league games, then McArdle would be needed for the first leg of the play-off semi-final on 7 May.

The call-up for McArdle marks another stage of the defender's development after performing consistently in the Dale backline for the past two seasons.

McCourt meanwhile, at the age of 25, is the oldest player in the squad and has made two full international appearances for Northern Ireland previously. He became one of Rochdale's first ever players to play international football whilst at the club, alongside current striker Lee McEvilly, when the pair were called up for a friendly against Spain in June 2002.

Now at Celtic, McCourt is on the verge of the Hoop's first team, and will feature alongside team mate Niall McGinn in the game against Scotland.