Injury forces Davis out of squad

Northern Ireland have suffered a blow ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia on Friday in Belgrade.

Influential Rangers midfielder Steven Davis has withdrawn from the squad with a hamstring strain.

Davis was injured on Sunday after scoring the opening goal in Rangers' 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final at Hampden Park.

Northern Ireland have had a mixed start in the qualifying campaign, beating Slovenia, drawing with Italy and then the Faroe Islands in their last competitive outing.

Friday's game will be played behind closed doors after trouble flared at Serbia's game in Italy.

However, 200 Northern Ireland fans have been given special dispensation by UEFA to attend.

Nigel Worthington's side then face Slovenia a week on Tuesday in Belfast, but it is unclear whether Davis will be available.