INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Italy v Northern Ireland
Venue: Pisa Date: Saturday, 6 June Kick-off: 1950 BST Coverage: Live on BBC2 NI and BBC3, updates on BBC Sport website

Nigel Worthington has brought an inexperienced squad to Italy

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington hopes his young players will grasp the opportunity to shine in Saturday's friendly against Italy in Pisa.

Worthington's depleted squad includes nine uncapped players, with four coming from the Irish League.

"These situations always bring to the fore one or two players that might enjoy the experience, pick up the challenge and come through," he said.

"You will see these young players grow in a situation like this."

He added: "In terms of the Irish League players it is a great shop window for them to try and catch somebody's eye.

"This gives young players the opportunity to see what the senior set-up is all about and it lets the staff have a close look at them and see who can come through a good challenge in terms of the game.

"There is not much difference between the squads in terms of experience and I think that will make for a very good game."

David Healy, Damien Johnson and Grant McCann provide the experience in the panel and Worthington expects his senior players to help the newcomers.

"They all remember the day when they came into the squad and the older ones put an arm around them and guided them," he said.

"The likes of David, Damien and Grant are first-class pros - these players will encourage, cajole and have a word in the younger players' ears."

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