Kyle Lafferty has scored five goals in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign

Northern Ireland's Kyle Lafferty returns to Norwich squad

Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty is fit to return to action after recovering from a knee injury.

The 27-year-old has been included in the Norwich City squad for Tuesday's Capital One Cup second round clash away to Rotherham United.

The news on Lafferty's fitness will be a boost to Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill in the build-up to two crucial Euro 2016 qualifying fixtures.

Northern Ireland play the Faroes on 4 September and Hungary four days later.

O'Neill's men are second in Group in Group F – one point behind leaders Romania and two ahead of third-placed Hungary.

Northern Ireland have never qualified for the finals of the European competition and the last time they qualified for a major tournament was the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Lafferty, who spent the second half of last season at Turkish side Rizespor, has scored five goals in his country's six group matches.

International boss O'Neill will be hoping his top scorer gets much-needed game time and avoids any further injury problems.

The Northern Ireland squad for the trip to the Faroe Islands and the home game against Hungary is to be announced on Wednesday.