Cathcart joins up with NI squad

[CooperSF]

Defender Craig Cathcart has been called into the Northern Ireland squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino in Serrvalle.

The 20-year-old has won 10 caps at Under-21 level.

The Manchester United player, currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle, comes in following the withdrawal of injured pair Jonny Evans and Chris Baird.

Evans is suffering from an ankle injury and Fulham defender Baird is suffering from a bout of tonsilitis.

Evans has failed to recover from the ankle injury that he sustained while playing for Manchester United recently.

Steve Beaglehole, who has managed Cathcart at U-21 level says the player deserves his call-up to the senior panel.

"I am pleased for Craig as he played well against Scotland in our last game.

"I have also seen him in action a couple of times for Plymouth and he has made big strides. He deserves to show what he can do at senior level."

Striker David Healy made it two goals in two games by scoring for Sunderland on Saturday while in-form Burnley striker Martin Paterson was again on target for the Clarets.

Celtic winger Pat McCourt came on as a substitute after 61 minutes of his side's 2-1 Scottish Cup win over Queen's Park.

Winger Keith Gillespie was left out of the original squad for the game after being released by Championship side Sheffield United.

Burnley defender Michael Duff was a surprising omission from the panel.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/i...als/7876876.stm

[Cumbria_blue]

Shame that Johnny Evans is out, but I like what I've seen so far from Cathcart. He's not a bad wee player Should beat San Marino lets face it, even without the mighty Michael Duff

[AdzKyle]

I forgot all about McCourt!!

Aaron had probably played more than him...........