NI boss weighs defensive options

Jonny Evans missed the 3-1 win over Liechtenstein in August

Latvia v Northern Ireland
Riga
Saturday, 8 September
Kick-off: 1715 BST
Commentary on BBC Radio Ulster, Coverage on BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington faces a defensive poser for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Latvia.

Michael Duff, George McCartney, Stephen Craigan and Chris Baird played in the win over Liechtenstein last month but Jonny Evans is back after injury.

The Manchester United defender could challenge for a starting spot at left back or centre back with Duff possibly the man to lose out in any reshuffle.

Fulham defender Aaron Hughes is still unavailable with an ankle injury.

Evans missed the 3-1 win at Windsor Park in August with a groin problem while McCartney has overcome a thigh injury and is available for selection.

Damien Johnson's continued absence in midfield should see Sammy Clingan and Steve Davis again chosen in the centre of the park and Keith Gillespie will occupy the right wing slot.

Stuart Elliott could challenge Chris Brunt for the left-wing berth and David Healy and Kyle Lafferty are likely to continue in tandem up front.

Johnson and Tony Capaldi will also miss the trip to Iceland next week.

Birmingham City midfielder Johnson is ruled out with a hamstring problem while Capaldi suffered a strain in Cardiff's win at Norwich on Saturday.

Skipper Hughes is out of Saturday's Latvia match but hopes to have recovered from a knee injury in time to face Iceland four days later.

Rangers goalkeeper Roy Carroll withdrew from the squad on Monday.

The former West Ham player pulled out of the panel to work on rekindling his club career at Ibrox but remains on standby.

Celtic's Michael McGovern has been drafted into the squad as goalkeeping cover.

"It's frustrating for Damien because the injury is healing slowly," said NI manager Nigel Worthington.

Worthington drafted full-back Tony Kane into his squad at the weekend.

The 22-year-old Blackburn Rovers player decided to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to the country of his birth.

Kane had played in two U21 friendlies for the Republic.