Chris Baird starred for Southampton in the FA Cup final

Southampton youngster Chris Baird and Bristol City's Tommy Doherty will make their full Northern Ireland debuts in Tuesday's friendly against Italy.

The news caps a memorable few weeks for Rasharkin native Baird.

He starred for Southampton in last month's FA Cup final against Arsenal which was only his second start for the Saints' first team.

Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy won't confirm his full team until Tuesday lunchtime but he has revealed that Baird and Doherty will be in the starting line-up.

Baird will start at right-back while with captain Steve Lomas absent, Doherty will operate in central midfield.

Bristol City player Doherty qualifiers to play for Northern Ireland through his grandfather.

With Steve Lomas out of the squad because of injury, Newcastle's Aaron Hughes will captain Sammy McIlroy's team.

George McCartney is expected to be in the Northern Ireland team after reversing an initial decision not to travel to Italy.