Northern Ireland have been dealt a blow ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Lithuania after Stuart Dallas pulled out for personal reasons.
The Leeds United star was left behind in Belfast when Ian Baraclough’s side travelled to Vilnius for the Group C tie.
Baraclough’s preparations suffered another setback after it emerged new coach Adam Sadler has also been forced to withdraw following the death of his father.
Leicester coach Sadler was appointed last week to replace Austin MacPhee whose switch to Scotland 11 days ago was unexpected according to Baraclough.
Lithuania have problems of their own with new coach Valdas Ivanauskas set to miss the match after testing positive for Covid.
Baraclough admits his team need to win on Thursday to stay in touch with Italy and Switzerland at the top of the group following a goalless draw at home to Bulgaria in March.
But Baraclough also knows a victory could set up next week’s clash with the Swiss in Belfast, and give his team an opportunity to go second ahead of the next international break.