NORTHERN IRELAND V AUSTRIA World Cup qualifying Group 6 | 13 Oct 1945 BST | Windsor Park | Live on Radio Ulster medium wave Bad run must end - Sanchez

Carroll's last game was in August when Northern Ireland drew 0-0 away to Switzerland in a friendly.

He takes over from usual first choice Maik Taylor of Birmingham City.

Northern Ireland will also welcome back top scorer David Healy after he missed Saturday's game in Azerbaijan because of a one-match suspension.

Manager Lawrie Sanchez is likely to draft in Sunderland defender George McCartney providing he shows no reaction to a hamstring injury.

We need to make Windsor a fortress and put a win on the board Lawrie Sanchez

He looks set to return after missing the Azerbaijan match as both Chris Baird and Mark Clyde are struggling with ankle injuries.

Baird has not been involved since the weekend and is almost certainly out. Clyde suffered a setback in training and is doubtful for the match.

After defensive blunders cost Northern Ireland dearly in their last home game against Poland, Sanchez aims to keep things tight at the back.

"We need to get to half-time without conceding a goal. That will mean being a bit tentative at the start then building from there," he said.

"In my time here we have been better finishers in a game than starters.

"We do need to make Windsor a fortress and put a win on the board."