Euro 2012 qualifier, Maribor:
Date: Friday 3 September Kick-off: 1945 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Ulster and online; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles; also live on Sky Sports
Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington and skipper Aaron Hughes on Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is out of Northern Ireland's team to face Slovenia in Friday night's opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Maribor.
Evans has been ruled out because of a groin injury and it means Blackpool's Craig Cathcart comes in for his international debut.
Up front, David Healy returns to the team in a strike partnership with Oldham's Warren Feeney.
Motherwell's Stephen Craigan marks his 50th cap by captaining the team.
It will be the fourth successive time Craigan has worn the armband with Aaron Hughes standing down for his team-mate.
"I've left Stephen and Aaron to sort out the captain's armband but I think I know where it's going," said Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington.
Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan prepares to win his 50th cap in Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia in Maribor.
"Stephen will get his 50th and I am delighted for him, he fully deserves it," added the Northern Ireland boss.
"Aaron has been outstanding when it comes to something like this - it is the sign of a good leader.
"I have known Stephen for the last three years and what you get from him is a solid performance.
"He is always there - he is a terrific servant, a fantastic professional and great to have around the group."
Cathcart had been named in previous Northern Ireland squads.
Pat McCourt was left out for the game despite being in goal-scoring form for Celtic in recent weeks.
McCourt is a hugely talented footballer but criticisms of his work-rate have led to him being described as a "luxury player" by some commentators.
Northern Ireland team: Taylor (Birmingham), McAuley (Ipswich), Hughes (Fulham), Craigan (Motherwell), Cathcart (Blackpool), Baird (Fulham), Davis (Rangers), Brunt (West Bromich) McCann (Peterborough), Healy (Sunderland), Feeney (Oldham).
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