Worthington readies Northern Ireland for Faroes

Manager Nigel Worthington knows the situation is a stark one for Northern Ireland as they prepare for their UEFA EURO 2012 Group C rematch against the Faroe Islands.

Northern Ireland barely escaped with a 1-1 draw when they visited the Faroes in October 2010, and can ill afford to drop points if they are to challenge for a place in next summer's finals. "It's very simple - we have to go and try and win the game," said Worthington. "We know the Faroes will make it very difficult and work hard. But we must be patient, disciplined, create chances and take them."

Rangers FC striker David Healy has been recalled after being omitted for recent friendly games along with Derby County FC's Jamie Ward, while uncapped Derry City FC winger James McClean and forwards Martin Paterson and Josh McQuoid were all named before withdrawing through injury.

The Faroe Islands will be without midfielder Pól Jóhannus Justinussen following his 89th-minute red card against Estonia while Hendrik Rubeksen and Jóhan Davidsen, who missed the 2-0 victory in Toftir through suspension, return to the squad. Daniel Udsen and Rógvi Poulsen have recovered from injury while Bogi Løkin is recalled by Brian Kerr.

In addition, defender Odmar Færø has been called up for the first time as a late replacement for Símun Samuelsen. Captain Fródi Benjaminsen is expecting a tough test. "They are stronger than us, no doubt about that," the midfielder said. "If we have any chance, then we have to play at our very best. At least stop them playing at their very best. That's the way for us to get a good result."

Northern Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Jonathan Tuffey (Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC), Lee Camp (Nottingham Forest FC), Alan Mannus (St Johnstone FC).

Defenders: Jonny Evans (Manchester United FC), Ryan McGivern (Manchester City FC), Craig Cathcart (Blackpool FC), Gareth McAuley (West Bromwich Albion FC), Aaron Hughes (Fulham FC), Lee Hodson (Watford FC).

Midfielders: Chris Baird (Fulham FC), Grant McCann (Peterborough United FC), Niall McGinn (Brentford FC), Jonny Gorman (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Corry Evans (Hull City FC), Steve Davis (Rangers FC), Sammy Clingan (Coventry City FC), Patrick McCourt (Celtic FC).

Forwards: David Healy (Rangers FC), Jamie Ward (Derby County FC), Peter Thompson (Linfield FC).

Faroe Islands squad
Goalkeepers: Jákup Mikkelsen (ÍF Fuglafjørður), René Tórgard (EB/Streymur).

Defenders: Hendrik Rubeksen (HB Tórshavn), Atli Gregersen (Víkingur), Jónas Tór Næs (Valur Reykjavík), Jóhan Davidsen (Aarhus Fremad), Rógvi Baldvinsson (Ålgård FK), Viljormur Davidsen (FC Fyn), Odmar Færø (B36 Tórshavn).

Midfielders: Fródi Benjaminsen (HB Tórshavn), Rógvi Poulsen (HB Tórshavn), Daniel Udsen (EB/Streymur), Bogi Løkin (ÍF Fuglafjørður), Súni Olsen (B36 Tórshavn), Atli Danielsen (B36 Tórshavn), Hjalgrím Elttør (KÍ Klaksvík).

Forwards: Christian Lamhauge Holst (Silkeborg IF), Arnbjørn Hansen (EB/Streymur), Jóan Edmundsson (Newcastle United FC), Christian Mouritsen (Valur Reykjavík).