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Page last updated at 17:29 GMT, Wednesday, 14 October 2009 18:29 UK

McGinn and McGivern start for NI

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Czech Republic v Northern Ireland
Venue: Synot Tip Arena Date: Wednesday, 14 October Kick off: 1930 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Two NI, BBC Sport website and Red Button. Also live on Radio Ulster, plus text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobile phones


Niall McGinn in action against Israel in August

Niall McGinn and Ryan McGivern will make their first competitive starts for Northern Ireland in the final World Cup qualifier in Prague on Wednesday.

Nigel Worthington's squad has been ravaged by injuries going into the clash in the Czech Republic.

Jonny Evans' absence opens the door to Manchester City's McGivern - currently on loan at Leicester City.

With Chris Brunt and Sammy Clingan also ruled out, Celtic winger McGinn will play in a wide midfield role.

With Kyle Lafferty and George McCartney among the absentees, the Northern Ireland team largely picks itself.

Captain Aaron Hughes, Stephen Craigan and Gareth McAuley are expected to be joined by McGivern in defence.

Chris Baird, Grant McCann, Damien Johnson, Steve Davis and McGinn will form a five-man midfield.

Worthington revealed on Tuesday that skipper Hughes, Craigan and goalkeeper Maik Taylor had agreed to continue their international careers into the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

"I went to them to see what their feelings were, what they felt in themselves and to be honest I don't think I had the question fully out before the answer came back," said Worthington.

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"Each of them said, 'If you want me, I'm available'.

"With regards what happens to me in the next couple of months, that's fantastic news for the football association and for the international squad as a whole," added Worthington.

McGivern, Dunfermline striker Kirk and Scunthorpe's Michael O'Connor were called up to the squad as replacements.

Northern Ireland's slim hopes of securing a play-off place were effectively ended on Saturday night.

Slovenia defeated group leaders Slovakia 2-0 and the two are now vying for the one automatic qualification spot, with the other entering the play-offs.

Kirk won the last of his eight caps against Germany in 2005.


N Ireland: Taylor; McAuley, McGivern, Craigan, Hughes; Baird, Davis, McGinn, McCann, Johnson, Healy.



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see also
Davis wants NI to finish in style
12 Oct 09 |  Internationals
NI World Cup hopes virtually over
11 Oct 09 |  Internationals
Worthington keen to stay NI boss
08 Oct 09 |  Internationals
NI trio ruled out of Prague trip
07 Oct 09 |  Internationals
Burnley hit by Paterson lay-off
24 Sep 09 |  Burnley
N Ireland 0-2 Slovakia
09 Sep 09 |  Internationals


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