Zigic out for Serbia against Northern Ireland

Johnny Gorman made his first competitive start for Northern Ireland as Nigel Worthington’s side attempted to extend their unbeaten run in Group C to four matches in a deserted Crvena Zvezda Stadium.

With Serbia fans barred from attending due after rioting in Italy last year, Worthington opted to start the Euro 2012 qualifier with youth on either side of midfield, deploying 18-year-old Gorman on the left and 20-year-old Corry Evans on the right.

Chris Baird was named as captain in recognition of his 50th cap, while Stephen Craigan made way for Craig Cathcart in the back four.

There was good news for Northern Ireland when Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic was deemed unfit to play, having been struggling with a groin problem.

Marko Pantelic replaced the giant forward up front, with Zeljko Brkic chosen in goal after an injury to Bojan Jorgacevic.

Serbia: Brkic, Ivanovic, Subotic, Bisevac, Kolarov, Tosic, Ljajic, Krasic, Stankovic, Milijas, Pantelic.

Subs: Saranov, Jovanovic, Petrovic, Obradovic, Ninkovic, Trivunovic, Ilic.

Northern Ireland: Camp, Baird, Hughes, Jonathan Evans, McAuley, Cathcart, Corry Evans, Clingan, Gorman, Brunt, Lafferty.

Subs: Tuffey, Craigan, Thompson, McCann, Healy, Feeney, McCourt.

Referee: Serge Gumienny (Belgium)