Glentoran striker Andy Smith scored 35 goals this season

Irish League strikers Andy Smith and Gary Hamilton will be named in the Northern Ireland squad for the games against Italy and Spain next month.

Manager Sammy McIlroy is looking to the part-timers to end a goal famine that has now stretched to eight games.

Glentoran's Smith has hit the target 35 times this season with his Portadown opposite number Hamilton having scored one fewer.

Both will feature in the friendly away to Italy on 3 June, and then eight days later in the European Championship qualifier against Spain at Windsor Park.

Smith in particular was a revelation last season for Glentoran.

Both players impressed McIlroy in the 'B' international against Scotland at Firhill last Tuesday.

'Impressed'

McIlroy will also name other players who played in Glasgow with Crewe's Steve Jones and Bristol City's Tom Doherty to get the nod.

McIlroy said at the time that the reserve game provided a number of plusses.

''It was a useful exercise,'' said McIlroy. ''Smith impressed me at how he can irritate a defence.

''Hamilton revealed strength and opportunism as a second-half substitute.

''Doherty possesses vision, accurate passing ability as well as a hunger for goals.''