Three to debut for Northern Ireland

Three youngsters will make their international debut for Northern Ireland in tonight´s friendly against Italy, coach Sammy McIlroy has confirmed.

Apart from Chris Baird and Tommy Doherty, forward Andrew Smith will find himself in the starting line-up. The 22-year-old, who has scored 35 goals for Glentoran in the Irish League, has the task of trying to end the national team’s 792-minute scoring drought.

The side will be captained by Aaron Hughes – while Maik Taylor, George McCartney, Danny Griffin, Peter Kennedy, Damien Johnson, David Healy and Paul McVeigh will also feature.

McIlroy welcomed the opportunity to give his youngsters valuable experience against “a top nation”.

Team: Taylor, Baird, Hughes (capt), McCartney, Griffin, Kennedy, Healy, Doherty, Johnson, McVeigh, Smith.