Scunthorpe striker Martin Paterson is determined to make his mark at international level with Northern Ireland.The 20-year-old, who has scored 11 goals in the Championship this season, was a surprise inclusion in Nigel Worthington's squad for November's European Championship qualifier in Spain.

He went on to make his debut as a 72nd-minute substitute in that 1-0 defeat in Gran Canaria and he is keen to see more action in Wednesday's friendly against Bulgaria at Windsor Park.

Paterson has risen to prominence this season after a summer move from hometown Stoke, where he had struggled to earn a regular first-team place and was even sent on loan to League Two Grimsby.

Paterson, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through a grandparent, said: "I have got to work hard, but that is second nature to me. I want to show what I can do.

"To be involved in any international is brilliant.

"I have been playing week in, week out for Scunthorpe and that's been a great experience for me.

"I was surprised when I first got the call, when I got a letter. I couldn't believe it to be honest, but it was an honour.

"It is going well at the moment."

The match provides Worthington with a tough test in his first match since being offered a full-time contract last month.

The former Norwich boss had been in charge on a caretaker basis since the departure of Lawrie Sanchez late last season.

Bulgaria boast the world-class talent of Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov as well as familiar Barclays Premier League faces in Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov and Martin Petrov of Manchester City.

"They are a very good team and it is a good step up," Paterson added. "Berbatov is a great player.

"But we will just concentrate on ourselves. The lads that have been playing at Windsor have got a fantastic record.

"The lads are buzzing about at the moment."

Northern Ireland will be without defender Stephen Craigan after Motherwell's postponed Scottish Cup fifth-round tie with Dundee was rearranged for tomorrow night.

His absence could give Jonny Evans, currently on loan at Sunderland from Manchester United, the chance to start in his favoured central defensive position alongside captain Aaron Hughes but Worthington has other options.

Worthington said on Sky Sports News: "It was only right and proper that we gave him [Craigan] permission to play in that game, since we've got a friendly and want to be seen to be working with the managers as much as possible.

"We are all right as far as numbers in that position are concerned. We've Aaron Hughes, Gareth McAuley, Chris Baird, Sean Webb and Jonny Evans.

"We've got numbers in there which is not too bad. It is a friendly and we've got to play along with coaches and managers."

Celtic goalkeeper Michael McGovern has also pulled out of the squad with a broken finger.

Birmingham midfielder Damien Johnson is set to return after an 11-month absence due to injuries.

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