Michael O'Neill says Eoin Kenny's family connection to the Republic of Ireland was not a factor in his decision to call the Portsmouth attacker into Northern Ireland's senior squad for this month's Nations League fixtures. Northern Ireland host Ukraine on 14 November before visiting Hungary on 17 November.

Kenny, 20, is the son of former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny. Born in Northern Ireland while his father was managing Derry City, he represented the Republic at under-19 level before switching to Northern Ireland's under-21 team. He has made 11 appearances for the side and captained it against Greece last month.

O'Neill said he viewed Kenny as a player rather than through his family background, adding that the attacker had earned the opportunity after a strong under-21 campaign. He also said he expected Kenny to be in the squad because he wanted to represent Northern Ireland and that the call-up would give him a chance to play international football.

Northern Ireland under-21 manager Tommy Wright first brought Kenny into the set-up and recommended him to O'Neill. O'Neill said Wright had spoken positively about both Kenny's performances and his character. He added that he had not spoken to Stephen Kenny before making the call-up.

Kenny joined Championship club Portsmouth from Dundalk during the summer transfer window and has made one league appearance for the club. O'Neill said the international window would allow the coaching staff to assess him at close quarters, as playing time at Portsmouth had been limited. He also described the call-up as a way to show under-21 players that they can progress to the senior team.

O'Neill also addressed speculation about Northern Ireland under-21 defender Conor Haughey's international future. He said Haughey, 19, is on the senior squad's radar, but that the staff had no reason to discuss a possible switch unless the player indicated he wanted one.

The manager watched Haughey score the winning penalty for Fleetwood Town in their EFL Cup upset of Arsenal. O'Neill said he was impressed by the defender's performance during the match, as well as the confidence he showed by taking the fifth penalty.

Sources: BBC Sport.