International friendly - Albania v Northern Ireland
Venue: Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana Date: Wed, 3 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC Red Button, BBC Sport Website and Radio Ulster MW, highlights on BBC One NI at 2315

Jonny Evans leaves the Northern Ireland squad's hotel on Tuesday

Jonny Evans has pulled out of Northern Ireland's friendly against Albania in Tirana on Wednesday.

Evans suffered a knock to his knee during Manchester United's Carling Cup win over Aston Villa, but still made the trip to the Albanian capital.

NI boss Nigel Worthington was already without injured trio Damien Johnson, Chris Brunt and Gareth McAuley and the unavailable Warren Feeney.

Evans' brother Corry will join up with the squad on Wednesday.

The younger Evans, who is also a Manchester United player, will link up with Nigel Worthington's squad after playing for the Northern Ireland Under-21 in their European qualifier against San Marino on Tuesday.

The loss of Evans means Northern Ireland are down to four defenders from the original squad - Stephen Craigan, George McCartney, Ryan McGivern and Andrew Little.

The squad trained on an artificial pitch on Tuesday as the surface at the riverside Qemal Stafa Stadium was waterlogged.

Conditions are not expected to improve overnight but Worthington told his players to face the challenge - or else.

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He said: "I am not concerned about the pitch at all. I have been through the situation on many occasions. It has never been a problem.

"I won't have it as an excuse for an inept performance or an indifferent performance. It is not the best pitch as there has been a lot of rain and it is very heavy in the middle.

"What it is going to show me is the mental strength of some of our players. That is what trips are all about, dealing with these situations and not being distracted.

"I have told the players you are not going to be playing on Premier League pitches when you come abroad. So you have got to be adaptable and perform to get the result you want."

Little comes in at right back, although he has played as a striker, Craigan and McCartney make up the central defensive partnership with Ryan McGivern on the left.

For Little there is every chance to make the spot his own.

"The right back situation has never been nailed down, " said the Northern Ireland boss.

"Rangers have started converting Andrew to a right back in the last 12 months.

"So it is an ideal opportunity for him to play in that role for us and for me to see what he can do."

Digital viewers can press red from 1940 GMT to watch the game, just follow the links to the Sport Multiscreen. There will also be full coverage on BBC Radio Ulster 1341 MW from 1930 GMT. Highlights will be shown on BBC1 NI at 2315 GMT.

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