Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan will retain the captain's armband when Northern Ireland face Montenegro in a friendly in Podgorica on Wednesday.
It was widely expected Maik Taylor would replace the injured Aaron Hughes as skipper. Instead Craigan will again lead the team out - when he wins his 49th cap - as he did during the two-match mini tour in the summer against Turkey and Chile.
"Stephen is heading towards his 50th cap and with Aaron not being here it is nice to share the captaincy around," said manager Nigel Worthington after naming Birmingham goalkeeper Taylor in his starting line-up.
"Stephen has been the captain in the last two games and did very well in the role. I spoke to Maik and he had no issues with it at all.
"He is delighted for Stephen. It is good for the group that different players can have that experience."
Source: PA
