Preston midfielder Adam Barton has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad. The 19 year old wants to keep his options open, according to a statement released by the Irish Football Association.

On Tuesday Barton was included in the 22-man squad for the first time for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Italy and the Faroe Islands.

However, after helping Preston defeat Leeds 6-4, he has had a change of heart.

In the statement the IFA said that Barton has decided that he would like to keep his options open with regards to England and also concentrate on his club career at Preston.

Barton has represented Northern Ireland at under-19 level and manager Nigel Worthington added: "I am disappointed with the decision; however I fully understand Adam's situation."