GROUP THREE SLOVAKIA V NORTHERN IRELAND:NIGEL WORTHINGTON is placing his faith in the appliance of science as Northern Ireland prepare to face Slovakia in their first World Cup qualifier today.

With the temperature expected to soar to 30 degrees, it will be a severe physical challenge for the players.

However, Worthington has taken steps to make sure they will be in the best possible shape, despite the searing humidity.

The squad can now call on the services of Northern Ireland sports scientist Jonathan Bloomfield - and he will have a key role to play in the opening game.

Worthington said: "He makes sure the food is right and that the players are hydrated. They are tested on a daily basis.

"I am delighted we came here on Wednesday. If we had arrived today with this heat I think we could have been hit for six. But we now know what the conditions are like and we have worked accordingly. It is going to be hot but it is about the desire to make things happen."

Northern Ireland will again be looking to David Healy to supply the goals and Worthington believes the striker is again in the mood to terrorise defences.

Healy, who scored a record 13 goals in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, missed a penalty in the draw against Scotland in a friendly last month.

Healy is likely to be the lone striker with Chris Baird employed in a holding role in a five-man midfield.

Northern Ireland finished third in the Euro qualifying campaign but Healy is determined to end the drought and make the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"The group we are in this time has no Spain, no Germany and no Italy. There is the belief that we can finally qualify for a major tournament. We are not here as a team to finish third or fourth in the group," he said.