Worthington salutes stalwart Taylor

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has paid tribute to goalkeeper Maik Taylor for showing commitment to the cause.

Taylor will captain the side tonight in a friendly against Hungary at Windsor Park in the absence of Aaron Hughes through injury.

Worthington admits he would not have been surprised to get a phone call from Taylor’s manager Alex McLeish to say the shot-stopper was withdrawing from the squad.

That is because promotion-chasing Birmingham have a vital away game against Swansea on Friday.

Instead, Taylor has joined up as usual, and Worthington said: “Maik’s situation speaks volumes for what he is about and what we are about.

“He has an important game coming up on Friday, yet I did not get a phone call, which I expected from Alex McLeish, or Maik, to withdraw.

“If I had have done, it would not have been a problem. But Maik wants to be here as he wants to win another cap for his country. He also enjoys being with the group.”

Taylor said: “I find it hard to believe they can’t arrange that game for a different time.

“It suits Swansea more than Birmingham as we have a lot of players away. But that is the way it is.

“I am looking forward to the game against Hungary as it is always an honour to play for your country. Then it will be a case of focusing on the match on Friday.”

Rangers midfielder Steven Davis looks likely to miss the match as he has remained at home to attend to a domestic matter.

However, Worthington has kept the door ajar at the request of the player just in case his situation changes.

Worthington is likely to give a run-out and a first cap to Derry winger Niall McGinn, who has been impressive in training.

Full-back Ryan McGivern, on loan at Morecambe from Manchester City, seems certain to get another outing in the absence of George McCartney.

Worthington is looking for his depleted team to put on a show.

He added: “This is a worthwhile exercise as we have had some good training sessions – with a bit of fun as well.

“These are hard times for the fans and we have a duty to give them a performance. That’s what we intend to do.”