Worthington makes five changes

26 May 2011 16:14

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington will make five changes to his squad which suffered a 5-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland for Friday's Carling Nations Cup game against Wales.

Jonny Tuffey, Colin Coates, Oliver Norwood, Robert Garrett and Niall McGinn have all been drafted into the team to face the Welsh at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with both nations battling to avoid finishing bottom of the tournament.

Josh Carson made his debut against the Republic and retains his place in the side, while Oldham teenager Carl Winchester is expected to come off the bench and earn his first cap in this match.

But Worthington suffered a set-back after Steven Davis and Sammy Clingan were forced to withdraw from the squad with hamstring and hip problems respectively following Tuesday's defeat.

The manager said: "You never like to lose players at any stage.

"In the current situation, when we have very few senior pros with us anyway, to lose the quality and experience of Steven Davis and Sammy Clingan is another jolt for us.

"But we will stick another couple of youngsters in and give them some experience. Hopefully the kids will come through with experience that will hold them in good stead in the future."

Source: PA