Northern Ireland lose seven for Scotland clash

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has been hit by a raft of withdrawals ahead of the Carling Nations Cup match against Scotland on Wednesday.

Seven players from Worthington’s original squad have pulled out ahead of the game in Dublin, including captain Aaron Hughes. The Fulham defender has back and hamstring injuries.

Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty is being checked out for glandular fever, according to the Irish Football Association, following the 2-2 draw with Celtic yesterday, and also misses out.

Chris Brunt, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury in West Brom’s defeat by Manchester City and like Lafferty has not travelled.

Craig Cathcart, Sammy Clingan and Johnny Gorman as well as goalkeeper Maik Taylor will also be absent.

Worthington has called up the Watford pair of Adam Thompson and Lee Hodson, along with Manchester United’s Oliver Norwood and Aberdeen’s Rory McArdle.