Davis poised to miss Hungary game

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY: Northern Ireland v Hungary
Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast Date: Wednesday, 19 November Kick-off: 1945 GMT Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website, live on BBC Radio Ulster MW and highlights on BBC Two NI 2320 GMT

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Steve Davis is set to pull out of NI team due to family reasons

Rangers midfielder Steve Davis looks set to miss Northern Ireland's friendly against Hungary at Windsor Park on Wednesday due to family reasons.

Manager Nigel Worthington said: "I'm now planning the game without him. But the door is always open.

"If he arrives an hour and a half before kick-off I would be delighted to see him."

Worthington has made Maik Taylor captain for the night in the absence of the injured Aaron Hughes.

Taylor captained Northern Ireland for the first occasion against Estonia back in 2004.

Earlier, Gareth McAuley and George McCartney joined Hughes in withdrawing from the Northern Ireland squad.

Ipswich Town defender McAuley misses the game after sustaining a hamstring injury in a training session on Friday while McCartney has been sidelined for Sunderland's last three matches because of a foot injury.

Worthington happy with team spirit

With Stephen Craigan also absent, Worthington's defensive options are looking very limited.

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is among four players back in the panel.

Evans was banned for the 4-0 win over San Marino last month while Michael Duff, Chris Brunt and Sammy Clingan are back after injuries.

Derry City winger Niall McGinn gets his first call-up.