George McCartney has been ruled out of the final qualifier

West Ham defender George McCartney has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's cruicial Euro 2008 qualifier away to Spain on Wednesday night.

McCartney missed the win over Denmark because of an ankle injury but NI boss Nigel Worthington hoped he would return in place of the suspended Jonny Evans.

However, West Ham medical staff have told the full-back he will not be able to resume training until Wednesday.

Evans is likely to be replaced by Tony Capaldi or Chris Baird.

Manchester United teenager Evans will sit out the final Group F qualifier after picking up a late booking in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Danes.

Keith Gillespie is suspended for the second time in the campaign after another yellow card against Denmark.

Worthington's main selection headache concerns who should partner record goalscorer David Healy in attack.

Kyle Lafferty had to sit out the win over Denmark because of suspension and Warren Feeney grabbed his chance by scoring in the 2-1 victory.

Burnley frontman Lafferty is available again and pressing for a recall.

Lafferty's one-match ban followed a booking in Sweden, where he scored a marvellous equaliser.

Worthington cancelled a scheduled training session on Monday morning in the Gran Canaria sunshine after the gruelling victory against Denmark.

Instead the players were told to rest and recuperate at their luxury base in the south of island.