DION Charles will continue to have treatment and train with the Northern Ireland squad over the international break.

The Wanderers striker has been out of commission since February 13 with a knee injury and has missed the last nine games at club level.

Despite his lack of game time, he has accepted the call from his country, who face Romania in a friendly on Friday and then Scotland the following Tuesday and has been doing light training with the team at the Etihad Campus in Manchester in preparation.

It is understood he will remain with the Northern Ireland squad for the duration of the international break and it has not been ruled out that he will feature in one or both friendlies.

Eoin Toal is also with Michael O’Neill’s squad, who will fly out to Bucharest tomorrow.

Ian Evatt said Charles was not fit enough to feature against Derby County and urged caution when discussing his involvement over the international break.

“He is getting better, he is getting closer, but we must remember that he has been out for six weeks but to be put straight into an international game, particularly of the magnitude of Northern Ireland against Scotland, would be really tough,” he said.

“Conversations are taking place and hopefully they will come to the right decision, and that Dion won’t be broken down.”

It is hoped that Charles, who has scored 17 times in all competitions this season, will be ready to return to action for Bolton when they resume after the break against Stevenage.

Northern Ireland have also brought Blackpool striker Shayne Lavery into the squad over the last 24 hours, which could reduce their dependence on Charles.

The club are also taking a watching brief on goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, who has had a splint removed on an injured wrist last Friday.

Wanderers say they will keep a watchful eye on how well the ligament responds once the players return to the training ground early next week.