Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington is hopeful Stephen Craigan could be available for Wednesday's friendly with Bulgaria after all.The defender was withdrawn from the squad after Motherwell's Scottish Cup tie with Dundee on Saturday was rearranged for Tuesday but more bad weather in Scotland has seen the fixture called off again.

That has opened up the possibility that Craigan could join up with the national squad as planned and Worthington was trying to reach an arrangement with Motherwell.

Worthington said: "I have spoken to Stephen and I have expressed my wishes for him to be here.

"He is speaking to (manager) Mark McGhee and will get back to us. Hopefully he will be in Belfast tonight."

If Craigan arrives, he is unlikely to start with Worthington having already looked at different defensive options.

The likes of Gareth McAuley, Chris Baird, Sean Webb and Jonny Evans are all candidates to play alongside captain Aaron Hughes.

Worthington added: "Stephen is very important to the squad, as are all the other players because we are not blessed with huge numbers. Each and every player is very valuable to the group.

"For him to turn up and take part tomorrow night is very useful for us. But I will be looking to try to give as many people as possible, for themselves and me to have a look at."

Worthington has reported no other injury concerns following a training session with his squad on Tuesday

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