Jamal Lewis training with Northern Ireland in 2024placeholder image
Jamal Lewis training with Northern Ireland in 2024 | Photo by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Northern Ireland face Slovakia in a massive World Cup qualifier on Friday night
Preston North End new boy Jamal Lewis’s first international outing in a year could be a massive one.
On Friday night, Northern Ireland take on Slovakia away from home in a crunch World Cup qualifier. Michael O’Neill’s side won the reverse fixture at Windsor Park but are three points behind second placed Slovakia, with two games left to play in Group A.
The final round of group matches sees leaders Germany host Slovakia, while Northern Ireland face bottom placed Luxembourg - who have zero points - at home. Therefore, a draw in Slovakia would not end Northern Ireland’s hopes of securing a play-off spot.
And, even if they were to finish outside of the top two, their Nations League group victory last year could bail them out. The top four Nations League winners, who do not finish in the top two, are granted a play-off space.
As far as Friday evening is concerned, though, Lewis may well find himself in the starting lineup. Northern Ireland are without PNE man Ali McCann, along with key midfielders Ethan Galbraith and Shea Charles. Defender Brodie Spencer is also absent.
With Northern Ireland often deployed in a wing-back system, an opening for Lewis is likely to present itself if Justin Devenny shifts into central midfield. Lewis made his first start for Preston last weekend, in the 1-1 draw at Millwall.
He had previously made two substitutes appearances following his free transfer to North End in late October. Manager Paul Heckingbottom was full of praise for his athletic qualities, post-match at The Den.
Lewis’ last international cap came in October 2024, but with 39 to his name he wasted no time in reaching out to the Northern Ireland boss. He immediately got in touch with Michael O’Neill after signing for PNE.
“I sent Michael a text when I was joining Preston, to let him know I had a club (and) I’m fit,” he said. “I knew there were some injuries, so if he needed me to play any sort of role in the team, I’d be available.
“It was on Sunday (when he called to tell me). My phone had died but when I charged it back up I had a missed call from Michael, so I presumed it was good news! I was delighted to get the call.
“I’ve been keeping tabs on the boys. I love their energy. I love the quality they’ve shown in the games. Now we’re in the final stretch where points are needed to put us in a good position.
“I would love to play... I remember when we played Slovakia in the qualifying play-off for Euro 2020 and they beat us. Maybe quite a few of the boys didn’t play in that game, but I still hold a bitter taste and would love to put one over them.”
Reflecting on the last few months, Lewis added: “It’s been very testing, physically and mentally. I had four or five proposals (in the summer) but decided I wanted to go in a different direction; that never came to fruition.
“Football is like that. When you’re a free agent, you take a gamble a little bit. It didn’t work in my favour. Once the transfer window closed I was left in no man’s land, counting down the days until I got a call from a team.”
O’Neill on Lewis’ return to the squad
The ex-Stoke City chief said: “He’s had a lot of difficulty with injury, undergoing surgery, and he was out of contract for a few months. But I’ve been in dialogue with Jamal throughout this period and I know he had other opportunities.
“So, I’m delighted he has signed for Preston. Hopefully, he gets game time there and stays fit. He’s only 27 years of age and he still has a lot of football left him. Yes, he’s had a difficult period in his career but that doesn’t mean that next phase of his career can’t be positive, and he can’t be an important player for us.”
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