Leicester City's 29-year-old centre back Gerry Taggart, recalled to Northern Ireland squad after a two-year exile, has been appointed captain for their friendly against Hungary at Windsor Park.

Taggart, who has a slight hamstring problem, takes over from West Ham midfielder Steve Lomas, who is ruled out until next season with a broken toe.

Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy said: "He has been captain of Bolton and Barnsley and revealed leadership qualities. Gerry has also scored seven goals for us from set-pieces and this is an added bonus."

Taggart, capped 46 times, was omitted by former manager Lawrie McMenemy for disciplinary reasons after the friendly with Spain in June 1998 at Santander. He also had a protracted absence during Bryan Hamilton's reign.

Northern Ireland have lost five players from the original squad - Wigan goalkeeper Roy Carroll (appendicitis), Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock (leg injury), the two strikers, St Mirren's Paul McKnight (hamstring) and West Bromwich Albion's James Quinn (back) and Lomas.

Quinn's absence disrupts his partnership with Manchester United's David Healy currently on loan with Port Vale, which proved so effective in the recent wins over Luxembourg and Malta. Healy hit three goals and Quinn one.

McIlroy won't name his squad until today as is the case with Hungary manager Bertalan Bicskei.