McCourt and Lafferty out of Serbia clash

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington was dealt a blow ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia when Paddy McCourt and Kyle Lafferty were both ruled out of the match.

The key pair had been struggling with calf injuries and despite being given every chance to prove their fitness, neither man was able to take their place in the matchday squad.

That meant record scorer David Healy, without an international goal in almost three years, was named as a lone striker and Chris Brunt returned from suspension to add the creative spark McCourt provided in the 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands last time out.

For Group C rivals Serbia, Inter Milan’s Dejan Stankovic won a 99th cap.