Northern Ireland v Finland preview
Injuries to key players hamper Irish preparations before friendly
Last Updated: August 15, 2012 11:56am
Michael O'Neill: Northern Ireland boss targets a win against Finland
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill will be keen to win their final friendly
game against Finland before their World Cup qualifying campaign gets under way.
O'Neill's side were comprehensively beaten in their last outing by Holland 6-0, which highlighted the challenge facing his players if they are to reach a major final.
Both Northern Ireland and Finland failed to qualify for the European Championship in the summer, but a win for the Irish at Windsor Park would act as a real fillip before they face Russia next month.
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O'Neill had named a full-strength squad for this game as he looked to gain some winning momentum before his World Cup qualifier next month.
However, injuries have disrupted his preparations. Niall McGinn, Paddy McCourt, Ryan McLaughlin and Aaron Hughes will all miss the game after picking up knocks.
Finland, though, will come into this game rich in confidence after they beat Turkey 3-2 in their last fixture.
Mixu Paatelainen looks poised to hand exciting young striker Teemu Pukki a start, while Timo Furuholm and Njazi Kuqi are also in contention to start.
Niklas Moisander will be the lynchpin at the heart of the back four for the visitors and the silky Alexei Eremenko will be deployed as their playmaker in midfield.
Probable Northern Ireland team:
Camp, Hodson, McAuley, Baird, McGivern, Davis, Evans, Brunt, Lafferty, Paterson, Ward.
