Northern Ireland hand debuts to Adam Barton and Lee Hodgson
Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has named Adam Barton and Lee Hodgson in his team to face Morocco at Windsor Park on Wednesday 17 November.
The two players will make their international debuts after impressing in the Championship.
A number of injuries has forced Worthington into calling on Watford defender Hodgson.
Barton was called up to the Northern Ireland squad before. However, the player declined the offer as he still wishes to remain available to be selected for England.
Barton was born in England, but qualifies to play for Northern Ireland through his parents.
The midfielder’s chances to play for England in the future will not be hampered if he plays against Morocco as the match is a friendly international.
As a result the Preston player could still switch allegiances in the future and play for England if selected.
Worthington will be eager to see how Barton and Hodgson adapt to international football and a good performance by Hodgson could secure a call up for the defender.
Barton’s position is more delicate, but Worthington will hope that a sample of international football will convince the player to commit his future to Northern Ireland.
Worthington will hope that the two debutants can add something to Northern Ireland’s injury hit team.
However, Worthington remained upbeat about the situation and told journalists, "The fortunate thing is that these injuries have happened before a friendly and not a European qualifier. It will also give someone else a chance to come in and try to impress.”
"The game will give me the chance to look at different options ahead of next year's games in the Carling Nations Cup and the qualifiers,” added Worthington.
The Northern Ireland manager admitted that his team would be up against it when they meet Morocco.
"Morocco will be a great test for us. They have a lot of quality, including Arsenal's Marouane Chamakh. He scored twice against Wolves this week so he is a big threat," said the Northern Ireland manager.
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