ian1964 10,720 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against San Marino will be subject to a pitch inspection following torrential rain in Serravalle. An inspection of the playing surface will be carried out at 1700 GMT. The downpour has lasted several hours and, although the playing surface is rated as good, it could struggle to cope with the amount of water. Victory over San Marino could see Northern Ireland leap into second place in Group Three on goal difference. But they are without Norwich City's Sammy Clingan who has been ruled out because of a thigh strain. Doncaster's Dean Shiels has also been ruled out by an ankle injury. Damien Johnson, Kyle Lafferty and Grant McCann are being tipped to play in midfield with Martin Paterson partnering David Healy up front. Birmingham midfielder Johnson will make his return to Northern Ireland duty after a lengthy absence caused by injury. Clingan's injury is likely to open the door to a start for Scunthorpe United's McCann. Paterson's recent run of goals for Burnley is likely to mean promotion to the starting line-up, with Healy's regular striking partner Lafferty playing in midfield alongside Johnson, McCann and Steven Davis. George McCartney will be available to play in defence after missing training on Monday because of blisters while Warren Feeney is also expected to be available despite a minor virus. Clingan broke down in training at the squad's base in Riccoine and will be returning to his club for treatment. Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington described Clingan's unavailable as a "disappointment". "Sammy is a big player for us," added the manager. "He did not train Sunday and yesterday and had to step out of today's session, so he will be going back." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7881469.stm 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Ally 0 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 With Lafferty likely to play the lone striker on Sunday and with the fact that by the time that game comes around it will have been a fortnight between competitive games for Rangers, it should be of benefit to have Kyle getting some game time and match sharpness. Hopefully it goes ahead. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Ally 0 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Just turned it on on iplayer on bbc to see Lafferty coming off after 55mins. Any idea how he played. 2-0 by the way. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig 5,199 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Not sure S_A. He and Davis both got booked though and miss the Poland game. Good news for us potentially, not for the Irish though. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 837 Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Davis played the 90 but nothing said about why Lafferty came off. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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