Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon has pulled out of Northern Ireland's match with Cyprus tonight after receiving a death threat.
Lennon had been handed the captaincy in the absence of Steve Lomas and Gerry Taggart, who withdrew from the squad through injury.
But following the threat, Lennon informed Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy of his decision ahead of tonight's clash in Belfast.
Lennon was jeered by a small number of Northern Ireland supporters a year ago after he joined Celtic.
Lennon said: "After close consultation with the footballing authorities and the police service of Northern Ireland I will not be participating in this evening's international game.
"I am very disappointed that my desire to play for my country, on my first opportunity to captain my team, has been taken away from me."