Motherwell manager Stuart McCall will assess the physical condition of Stephen Craigan ahead of Wednesday's Scottish Cup replay against Dundee United after his captain played 90 minutes for Northern Ireland on Tuesday night.
The 34-year-old was drafted back into his country's starting line-up for the goalless Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia at Windsor Park after Aaron Hughes dislocated his shoulder. Craigan's international call-up leaves McCall facing a defensive headache for the quarter-final cup tie, with full-backs Stevie Hammell and Steven Saunders both major doubts.
Darren Randolph is certain to start in goal after staying on the bench for the duration of the Republic of Ireland's 3-2 defeat by Uruguay. However, being without three of their regular back four would leave Motherwell with an uphill struggle against the cup holders.
Hammell missed the 3-1 defeat by Kilmarnock 10 days ago after straining a hamstring while Saunders was carried off with a twisted ankle inside 10 minutes.
Well were also without the suspended Keith Lasley and injured Francis Jeffers, who both return against United, and on reflection McCall felt his team were hamstrung despite his initial anger at their limp second-half display.
"I was probably a bit harsh on the lads at Kilmarnock because we haven't got the strength in depth to cope without four key players," McCall said. "It was tough on them and we were unfortunate, things transpired against us. But it's gone and we just look for a fully committed, wholehearted performance and hopefully it will be enough."
The worst-case scenario of being without all three fitness doubts would leave Motherwell without a defender aged over 21. But opponents United have proved this month what can be achieved with a makeshift defence.
Manager Peter Houston has had to make do without injured centre-backs Garry Kenneth and Scott Severin, although the latter may return at Fir Park, but still saw his side win all five Clydesdale Bank Premier League games in March. And Houston is hopeful his players can maintain the momentum despite the rare 10-day break.
He said: "It's unsettled other teams that have had a wee break, but that remains to be seen. It's been a fantastic effort from the players, and they needed a wee change and a break.
"We're not out of March yet, so in a small period of time - 29 days or so, 30 days - we've won five and drawn the cup tie. Hopefully they can continue that form."
Source: PA
