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

George McCartney has a history of hamstring problems

George McCartney has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Poland on Saturday.

The defender sustained a hamstring injury in training on Friday and is likely to be out for up to six weeks.

McCartney will also miss Wednesday's home qualifier against Slovakia and could be a doubt for next month's final group game against the Czech Republic.

Gareth McAuley is likely to be drafted into the defence with Jonny Evans switching to left-back.

That would leave Northern Ireland parading the same defence as lined out in the 3-2 win over Poland in March with Aaron Hughes and Stephen Craigan operating in central defence.

Steve Davis, Grant McCann, Sammy Clingan and Damien Johnson is the likely combination in midfield, with Kyle Lafferty set to partner David Healy in attack.

Winger Chris Brunt and Andrew Little were both ruled out of the game but defender Evans has played a full part in training this week.

Brunt and Little will both be assessed before their availability for Wednesday's qualifier against Slovakia in Belfast is determined.

Evans has been troubled by an ankle injury and sat out Manchester United's victory over Arsenal on Saturday but has taken a full part in training this week.

606: DEBATE With 4-4-2 I honestly think we have a chance but 4-5-1 is inviting pressure which isn't good against the poles niblues

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

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.

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 the game in Prague 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