Walsall's Will Grigg could get international debut

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill today hinted Walsall hitman Will Grigg could be handed his international debut against giants Holland.

The striker was called up for the first time by O'Neill for the Amsterdam clash on June 2 with the new manager ready to experiment.

Injuries and absentees - including Albion's Gareth McAuley and Chris Brunt - have forced O'Neill's hand.

And he wants to blood his new quartet of Grigg, James McPake, Rory Donnelly and Daniel Lafferty ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

"There are a number of others players in the squad who won't have had the opportunity to play at this level, against a team like Holland, before," said O'Neill, ahead of his second game in charge.

"It's important for me see how they handle that because we will have games like this in the World Cup campaign - away to Russia, away to Israel, away to Portugal.

"These are intimidating places and matches and this is an opportunity to see how these players deal with that. The performances and the three days we have together will be more important than focusing on the result."

Grigg, a regular for Northern Ireland Under-21s, suffered a frustrating season last term scoring just four goals after struggling with form and injury.

But the 20-year-old, who won the Saddlers' goal of the season with his volley against Scunthorpe last September, signed a new two-year deal in November.

A hamstring problem ruled him out for much of the run-in but he returned to score the winner in the 1-0 final day victory at MK Dons – ending a seven-month goal drought.

The former trainee has netted eight times in 64 games – 25 starts – since his debut against Cheltenham in 2008.

And boss Dean Smith urged Grigg, joined in the squad by former Walsall loanee Ryan McGivern, to take his chance at senior international level.

"This is a real boost for the lad," said the Saddlers manager. "He has earned his place in the squad and this is a great opportunity for him.

"It's a proud moment for Will and the club. I received glowing reports about his recent performance for the Under-21s and hopefully he can build on this."