Release Date: 02/03/2010

Author: By Marshall Gillespie

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington insists Wednesday’s international friendly against Albania is hugely important in terms of preparation for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers which are due to begin in September.

“Albania may be ranked 97^th in the world but they will still prove tricky opponents in their own backyard,” stated Worthington. “I have watched a few DVD’s of their recent games and they will be difficult to break down.

“They have some experienced players in their ranks and we have to be mentally prepared going into the game if we are to get a positive result.”

Worthington’s plans for the first international of 2010 have been disrupted due to injury and unavailability.

Four players have withdrawn from the initial 22 strong panel; Damien Johnson, Gareth McAuley and winger Chris Brunt all picked up injuries playing for their clubs at the weekend while Cardiff striker Warren Feeney is remaining at home as his wife is due to give birth this week.

The Northern Ireland boss received a further blow when Jonny Evans flew back to Manchester from Tirana after failing to recover from a knee injury picked up in United’s Carling Cup victory on Sunday.

Evans younger brother Corry, who played the first half of the under-21’s 3-0 victory in San Marino on Tuesday evening, has been called up as his replacement.

There is a first inclusion into the senior squad for Sunderland keeper Trevor Carson, who turns 22 on Friday, and this season’s top scorer in the Irish League Rory Patterson. .

“Trevor has been a regular on the bench for Sunderland this season,” said Worthington. “I thought it would be good to bring him in ahead of Alan Mannus so he can gain some experience of the senior set-up.

“With regards Rory Patterson, I watched him the Co-Op Insurance Cup semi-final and although it was probably not his best performance of the season, he still managed to score a goal.

“As I have always said, if a player is doing well in the Irish League he will get his chance with the international squad.”

There are also being a few notable absentees in the shape of Burnley’s Martin Paterson and the Fulham duo of Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird.

“Aaron and Chris have been playing quite a few games for Fulham recently so it was decided to give them a break.

“As for Martin, I spoke to him last week and he felt he was still not up to speed after his knee injury so it was decided he should remain at his club and continue to work on his fitness.”

In the absence of skipper Aaron Hughes, Maik Taylor, who will be winning his 83^rd cap, will take over the captaincy for the 14^th time at international level.

With defensive options limited it looks increasingly likely that Glasgow Rangers striker Andy Little could be used as an emergency right-back with Craigan and McCartney at the heart of the defence and 20 year-old Ryan McGivern slotting in at left-back.

In attack David Healy could return to the starting line up after being left on the bench for the friendly with Serbia in November.

“It was good to see David was on the scoresheet for Ipswich last week,” added Worthington,  “obviously he has not being playing regularly these past few months which has naturally affected his mental sharpness, however he is now getting some run-outs at Ipswich which can only be good for him.”

This will be the ninth international meeting with Albania and to date Northern Ireland have had the upper hand winning five, drawing two and embarrassingly losing one.

That one defeat came the last time the two countries met September 1997 when Bryan Hamilton’s side lost 1-0 in a World Cup Qualifier in Zurich, where the match was held due to civil unrest in Albania.

BBC digital viewers can watch the game via the red button from 1940 GMT, just follow the links to the BBC Sport Multiscreen. There will also be full coverage on BBC Radio Ulster 1341 MW from 1930 GMT. Highlights will be shown on BBC1 NI at 2315 GMT.

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