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Linfield midfielder Bastien hery has been called up to the Madagascar squad for their forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Madagascar face the Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Friday, March 23 before hosting the same opposition four days later in Antananarivo.

It is the first time Hery has been included in the squad, which includes captain Anicet Abel who plays for Bulgarian champions Ludogorets.

Former Paris St Germain youth player Hery joined Linfield last summer from League of Ireland outfit Waterford.

Hery will miss Linfield's opening post-split fixture following his call-up.

The Blues sit seven points clear at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership with eight games remaining.

They return to action next Saturday, March 7 when they travel to Carrick Rangers.

David Healy's side also play Larne and Big Two rivals Glentoran before the split.