BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe says Michael Duff would have been forgiven for thinking he may never play for his country again, but insists his long-awaited Northern Ireland recall is fully deserved.

The defender has been named in new coach Michael O’Neill’s first 24-man squad for a friendly with Norway in Belfast on February 29, along with fit-again striker Martin Paterson.

It is almost two-and-a-half years since Paterson last earned an international cap – his 12th in total – in a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in September 2009.

He has been beset by injuries since then, but announced his comeback by coming on as a second half substitute against Reading on Friday night.

For Burnley’s longest-serving outfield player Duff, it has taken longer for the international call to come, having last played on November 19, 2008, at home to Hungary.

But Howe says the Belfast-born 34-year-old, who has 22 caps so far, deserves to end his exile from the Northern Ireland scene.

“I think he’d possibly given up hope, but the beauty of Michael is that he hasn’t stopped wanting to play for his country,” said the Burnley boss.

“He knows he has still got a lot to offer.

“That’s been his goal all along and his call-up is fully justified on his performances since coming back from injury this season.

“He has been great for us on and off the pitch.”

Of Paterson’s call-up, Howe added that it came as another timely boost following his return to action following a month out with a hamstring problem.

“I don’t think they ever doubted what he can give them,” he said.

Loan star Josh McQuoid completes the trio of Burnley players to make O’Neill’s cut.

The 22-year-old will be looking to build on his five caps after having to sit out Saturday’s game against Millwall.

Howe confirmed there was an agreement in place that former Bournemouth forward McQuoid would not feature against his parent club.

“It’s a shame because he has been doing very well for us,” said the Clarets boss.

“I’ve been really pleased with Josh. He hadn’t played a lot of football when he came to us so we’ve had to look at his fitness levels, but he started the game against Reading and was excellent and caused them all sorts of problems.

“He knew a few of the lads when he came, but he has fitted in really well to our style of play, which he would have already known from our time at Bournemouth.

“He’s been a really good fit.”

Meanwhile, Burnley defender David Edgar will also be on international duty next week, for Canada’s friendly against Armenia in Cyprus on February 29.