Injury-hit N. Ireland start with two debutants

Northern Ireland handed debuts to Preston midfielder Adam Barton and Watford defender Lee Hodson in tonight’s international friendly against Morocco.

Manager Nigel Worthington gave a start to Barton, who is also eligible for England, in the hope it would help persuade him to pledge his long-term allegiance to the country.

Inverness goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey also started in a team light on experience at Windsor Park after Worthington was hit by 12 withdrawals from his initial squad.

Morocco had Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh up front with Liverpool’s Nabil El Zhar, currently on loan at PAOK, on the bench.