CHERRIES star Warren Feeney has set his sights on reviving his international career after being drafted into the Northern Ireland under-21 squad.

Feeney has been called up for a European Championship qualifying double-header against Ukraine and Armenia next month.

And the Ulsterman will be looking to add to his five under-21 caps when Northern Ireland face Ukraine in Donetsk on Friday, September 5 before they host Armenia at the Ballymena Showgrounds four days later.

As a result of his inclusion, Feeney will miss Cherries' Sky-televised clash against Bristol City at Dean Court on September 6, while Robins skipper Tommy Doherty will also be absent after being named in the Northern Ireland full squad.

Neither Feeney nor Doherty can be withdrawn by their respective clubs due to the five-day rule, although Cherries' showdown against City could be in doubt should the Robins have two more players called up for international duty.

Feeney said: "It's always an honour to get selected by your country and I am pleased to be back in the under-21 squad.

"Although we can't qualify for the European Championships, it's still a privilege to represent your country."

Belfast-born Feeney won the last of his three senior caps almost a year ago to the day when he came on as a substitute during a friendly against Cyprus at Windsor Park.

But his international aspirations were put on hold after he suffered a knee ligament injury during Cherries' 2-0 defeat at Swansea which sidelined him for around two months.

He returned to the international stage when he lined up for the under-21s in a 2-0 defeat by Armenia on March 28 before his injury jinx struck again when he was carried off after taking a blow to his knee just six minutes into a 6-2 drubbing by Greece four days later.

And Feeney's chances of gaining further honours were rocked when he was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season.

But now fully fit, the 22-year-old striker is hoping to return to the big stage and is targeting a recall to a Northern Ireland full squad which has failed to score a goal in any of its last 10 matches.