RORY McArdle is good enough to break into Northern Ireland's plans for next year's Euro finals, according to Phil Parkinson.

City centre half McArdle is in the squad as cover for tonight's home clash with Greece in Belfast and Sunday's trip to Finland.

Michael O'Neill's side are one win away from qualifying for France 2016 – their first major finals for 30 years.

McArdle got the last of his seven caps in March last year but Parkinson sees no reason why he cannot force his way back into the reckoning.

The Bantams chief said: "Rory has earned his call and I am surprised he hasn't got it before this week, if I'm honest. I have been surprised by those who got in before him.

"He has always done well for Northern Ireland whenever called upon.

"I don't know the rules but with the late notice, we could possibly have insisted he played against Barnsley (on Tuesday).

"But we wouldn't do that as it would be unfair to Rory and his chances of representing his country, especially with the fact they have a great chance of qualifying for the finals.

"He has a chance and it would be the absolute pinnacle of his career to go to a major championship.

"Personally, I do believe he is good enough to play. He has the pace to cope with those type of players and he won't let anyone down if he gets his chance."

City's current player of the year was only added to the Northern Irish squad on Monday because of injury doubts to Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans. Doncaster centre half Luke McCullough had been drafted in last week.

Parkinson said: "Like James Meredith (for Australia), Rory getting called up is a feather in the cap of the club. I am pleased for both lads.

"I know Rory has been called up before but it is still special. For some reason he fell down the pecking order – but he is back in now.

"He is a great lad who has never let anyone down. Michael (O'Neill) will be able to look at his record and realise what a good addition he is to the squad.

"Rory has had a good season. I've always said about him that you don't often get centre halves who are as good in the air but also have his mobility. We can play a pressing game with that pace and athleticism."

Parkinson has had to reshuffle City's training schedule after McArdle's late call-up forced them to postpone Saturday's home game with Blackpool – plans that were further affected by the Johnstone's Paint Trophy wash-out on Tuesday.

The Bantams chief said: "It wasn't until about 4-4.30pm on Monday that I got a call about McArdle and we swung into action to get Saturday off. It would have been ridiculous to play without so many players.

"We planned what was going to happen in terms of team selection (for the Barnsley game) and the training going forward and now that's changed again.

"We won't do a behind-closed-doors friendly or anything like that. We'll just get the training schedule right."