World Cup qualifier: Poland v Northern Ireland
Venue: Slaski Stadium, Chorzow Date: Saturday, 5 September KO: 1930 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Two NI, BBC Radio Ulster MW and the BBC Sport website

Chris Brunt misses the game in Poland with a calf injury

Northern Ireland pair Chris Brunt and Andrew Little have been forced to withdraw from the Northern Ireland squad for Saturday's game with Poland.

The duo are ruled out of the World Cup qualifier in Chorzow because of injury.

Their fitness will be assessed later in the week to determine their availability for the match against Slovakia in Belfast on 9 September.

Manager Nigel Worthington received a boost on Tuesday when defender Jonny Evans trained with the squad.

Evans joined the panel as they began their preparations for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Poland.

The Manchester United player has been troubled by an ankle injury and sat out the victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

The problem also caused him to miss Northern Ireland's draw with Israel in a friendly at Windsor Park last month.

Worthington will be hoping the 21-year-old, who has won 17 caps, will remain injury-free ahead of the game in Chorzow.

Evans has indicated that he will require an operation to cure the persistent ankle problem but is keen to play in the games against Poland and Slovakia before potentially going under the knife.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Brunt was rated doubtful after missing Saturday's game with Sheffield United because of a calf injury.

Brunt, who signed a new three-year contract with the Baggies last week, picked up the injury in West Brom's win over Ipswich on 22 August.

606: DEBATE Remember your saint Artur Boruc practically handing you the match when you played Poland? Think it might be a bit tougher this time! TheBullMcCabe

The Northern Ireland international limped out of that game early in the second half.

The midfielder started in Northern Ireland's 3-2 qualifier win over Poland at Windsor Park in late March but missed the win over Slovenia because of suspension.

Worthington believes Northern Ireland need seven points from three games to have a chance of topping Group Three.

They are second but have played a game more than leaders Slovakia.

The campaign ends with a trip to the Czech Republic on 14 October.

Northern Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Taylor (Birmingham), Mannus (Shamrock Rovers), Tuffey (Partick)

Defenders: Craigan (Motherwell), Hughes (Fulham), McAuley (Ipswich), McGivern (Manchester City), Baird (Fulham), Evans (Manchester United), McCartney (Sunderland), Coates (Crusaders)

Midfielders: McCann (Scunthorpe), McGinn (Celtic), Clingan (Coventry), Johnson (Birmingham), Davis (Rangers)

Forwards: Healy (Sunderland), Paterson (Burnley), Lafferty (Rangers), Ward (Sheffield United)

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version