Four NI players pulled from qualifier

Published Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Four Northern Ireland players have been ruled out of the squad facing Portugal in the upcoming World Cup qualifier.

Four players have been withdrawn from the NI squad. (© Getty)

James McPake has an Achilles problem, Joe Dudgeon has a knee injury and midfielder Shane Ferguson has a hip problem.

Martin Paterson has been ruled out due to "ongoing fitness issues".

Daniel Lafferty, Lee Hodson and Rory McArdle have been called-up to the squad for Tuesday's match at Dragao Stadium in Porto.

Northern Ireland squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Roy Carrol (Olympiacos), Alan Mannus (St Johnstone), Michael McGovern (Falkirk).

Defenders: Aaron Hughes (Fulham), Ryan McGivern (Manchester City), Jonathan Evans (Manchester United), Craig Cathcart (Blackpool), Alex Bruce (Hull City), Daniel Lafferty (Burnley), Lee Hodson (Watford), Rory McArdle (Bradford City).

Midfielders: Chris Baird (Fulham), Steven Davis (Southampton), Grant McCann (Peterborough Utd), Oliver Norwood (Huddersfield Town), Corry Evans (Hull City), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Pat McCourt (Celtic), Josh Carson (Ipswich Town).

Forwards: David Healy (Bury), Dean Shiels (Rangers), Kyle Lafferty (FC Sion), Will Grigg (Walsall).