Nigel Worthington is placing his faith in the appliance of science as Northern Ireland prepare to face Slovakia in their first World Cup qualifier tomorrow.

With the temperature expected to soar to 30 degrees tomorrow, it will be a severe physical challenge for the players.

However Worthington has taken steps to make sure they will be in the best possible shape, despite the searing humidity.

The squad can now call on the services of Northern Ireland sports scientist Jonathan Bloomfield - and he will have a key role to play in the opening game.

Worthington said: "He makes sure the food is right and that the players are hydrated. They are tested on a daily basis.

"He also keeps an eye on their general fitness. It is important we have the right people in the right places to give ourselves every chance.

The North will again be looking to David Healy to supply the goals and Worthington believes the striker is again in the mood to terrorise defences.

Healy, who scored a record 13 goals in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, missed a penalty in the draw against Scotland in a friendly last month.

However he was unsettled at the time as he waited to clinch a move from Fulham to Sunderland.

Worthington expects Healy to be fired up against the Slovakians. He is likely to be the lone striker with Chris Baird employed in a holding role in a five-man midfield.

"All those distractions are now out of the way and they can focus on this game. It is good for me and good for them.

"I would imagine David would be chasing something similar to his previous record. He has set himself a hell of a target.

"It is something he enjoys doing, scoring goals, especially for his country. Lets hope he can get off the mark tomorrow."

Northern Ireland finished third in the Euro qualifying campaign but Healy is determined to end the drought and make the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.