Worthington expects a distraction

Worthington has taken a youthful squad with him to Tuscany and has promised to blood some of his younger players in what will largely be an experiment for both nations. However, Slovakia's clash with San Marino is a more serious affair and could well be pivotal in Northern Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup next year.

"We live in hope," he said. "Slovakia are at home and, if I was a betting man, I would expect them to get three points."

With their lead at the top of qualifying group three standing at just a point over Slovakia, and that after having played two games more, Worthington is keen to hear good news coming from Bratislava.

He added: "We have played San Marino twice and beaten them both times, but they might just take two points off somebody and if that could happen, that would be another shot in the arm for our lads."

However, Worthington's main focus is on the events at the Arena Garibaldi tonight where at least four players will make their international debuts.

Crusaders defender Colin Coates and Coleraine midfielder Stephen Carson have had their places in the starting XI confirmed, meaning at least two Irish League clubs will have representation on the field from the beginning.

Chris Casement and Corry Evans will also pick up their first caps and Worthington is delighted to be able to give them this chance to make their international bows.

He said: "There is a lot of inexperience out there, but how do you get experience?

"You only get experience by giving people the opportunity. I am one for giving people opportunities and that's all I as manager can do. I can present opportunities to people and thereafter it's up to them to go grab the bull by the horns."