SOCCER:NORTHERN Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has been hit by a raft of withdrawals ahead of tomorrow's match against Scotland.

Seven players from Worthington's original squad have pulled out, including captain Aaron Hughes. The Fulham defender has back and hamstring injuries.

Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty is being checked out for glandular fever, according to the Irish Football Association, following the 2-2 draw with Celtic on Sunday, and also misses out.

Chris Brunt, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury in West Brom's defeat by Manchester City and like Lafferty has not travelled.

Craig Cathcart, Sammy Clingan and Johnny Gorman as well as goalkeeper Maik Taylor will also be absent.

Worthington has called up the Watford pair of Adam Thompson and Lee Hodson, along with Manchester United's Oliver Norwood and Aberdeen's Rory McArdle.

Dundee United's Craig Conway has been called into the Scotland squad after manager Craig Levein saw Darren Fletcher, Lee McCulloch and Graham Dorrans drop out.

Wigan defender Gary Caldwell also remains a doubt with a cheekbone injury and will be assessed by the Scotland medical team.