Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has been hit by a raft of withdrawals ahead of Wednesday's friendly away to Scotland.Former Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty, who scored for Rangers at the weekend, is one of four players who have pulled out of the squad, the Irish Football Association have confirmed.

Lafferty has a hamstring injury while skipper Aaron Hughes (Fulham) and Keith Gillespie (Sheffield United) both have ankle problems.

Meanwhile George McCartney (West Ham) will also be absent as he is recovering from a bout of pneumonia.

Northern Ireland are due to begin their preparations for the match at Hampden with a training session at Stirling University on Monday.

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