Jim Magilton, Northern Ireland's newest member of the 50-cap club, never dreamed when he was in international exile under former manager Lawrie McMenemy that he might one day reach the milestone. But Magilton has become a key figure for McIlroy, captaining the side in Steve Lomas' absence.

Malta have not won a competitive match since they beat Estonia 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier back in 1993 and they are rock bottom of Group Three with just one point.

Not even their new coach Sigfried Held, who was a member of Germany's 1966 World Cup squad, fancies their chances much. "Northern Ireland may have a lot of injuries but they have a lot of players playing in England, so we can expect to face a strong team," he said.

NORTHERN IRELAND: Taylor; Kennedy, McCartney, Murdock, Griffin, Elliott, Magilton, Horlock, Johnson, M Hughes, Healy.

Referee: M Schuttengruber (Austria)