N.Ireland lose star striker for Slovakia match

Northern Ireland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986 suffered a setback when star striker Kyle Lafferty was ruled out of Wednesday’s crucial qualifier against Slovakia.

The Rangers forward suffered a knee injury after scoring in the 1-1 draw in Poland at the weekend and manager Nigel Worthington has decided not to risk him in a match where victory would lift Northern Ireland above Slovakia to the top of group three.

Lafferty, 21, had indicated on Monday night that he might be ready to play but Worthington revealed that option had been ruled out by a fitness test.

“We have to be fair to Kyle. He comes first and we have to think of the long term future of Northern Ireland and Rangers Football Club.

“It was never under consideration once we tested him: the decision was made that he was not right and there was no point in risking him.”

Worthington had already drafted uncapped 18-year-old Billy Kee into his squad as cover for Lafferty. Kee is seen as a promising prospect by his club Leicester but is currently playing on loan at Accrington in the fourth tier of English football.