Northern Ireland face a test of their resolve as they attempt to contain a Bulgaria side spearheaded by £30million-rated Dimitar Berbatov.Nigel Worthington, who was appointed full-time last month, hopes to use the Windsor Park friendly to gauge the strength of his squad ahead of the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign next season.
Spirits are high in the Northern Irish camp after a creditable, albeit unsuccessful, showing in their Euro 2008 qualifiers and the players are keen to maintain the momentum.
"These games are always important to get the lads back together," said captain Aaron Hughes, the Fulham defender.
"It will be a good game for us to play in and a good game for Nigel to look at us and see where things need doing. It keeps everyone familiar with each other."
Hughes is likely to be in the thick of the action as he lines up against his Bulgarian counterpart, the much-vaunted Berbatov.
He continued his fine season with Tottenham's goal in their 1-1 draw with Premier League champions Manchester United, a club he has been linked with, last weekend.
Hughes is aware of what a challenge he faces but insists there are no special plans to counter Berbatov's threat.
"Everyone has been talking about Berbatov being the main man," the 28-year-old said. "But they have got quality throughout their side.
"His goalscoring record is phenomenal at international level and it will be difficult to have to mark someone like him but that is what international football is.
"Whether you are playing Bulgaria or someone else they will always have someone in the team that can hurt you.
"You have just got to get on with it and concentrate on what we've got to do.
"Hopefully we can limit the amount of chances someone like him can get but at the end of the day we are going out not thinking about one player."
Northern Ireland's defensive options will be boosted by the late addition of Stephen Craigan. The Motherwell defender had withdrawn to play in his side's rearranged Scottish Cup tie with Dundee last night but another postponement allowed him to fly out to Belfast.
Hughes himself goes into the game in high spirits after his struggling Fulham side secured a vital three points in their relegation battle against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Hughes, who scored an own goal in the 2-1 win, said: "It is a huge result and it's nice to come over here for an international knowing that I've come off a good result the week before."
More Football News from TEAMtalk
