NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington has been hit by a raft of withdrawals ahead of the friendly against Albania tomorrow in Tirana. Chris Brunt (calf) and Gareth McAuley (groin) have both been ruled out though injury, while Warren Feeney is staying behind to deal with a domestic matter.

In addition Damien Johnson did not join the travelling party yesterday as Plymouth made a successful request for the midfielder to be rested. However, Celtic winger Niall McGinn did fly out after recovering from a thigh problem.

Worthington said: “This is virtually par for the course when a friendly takes place during a busy period for club football. However it is a wonderful opportunity for those players on the periphery of the squad to gain international experience. It is essential we took this game to get the squad together as the last match was four months ago in November.

“On paper this may look like an easy match for us, considering we are 40th in the world and they are 97th. But having watched them on DVD, I think they are a strong side who will give us a tough game.”

Craig Levein has, meanwhile, banned alcohol when players are on duty with Scotland. After decades littered with amusing tales of drink-fuelled misbehaviour, the manager and the Scottish Football Association could reasonably be accused of closing the stable door after the horse had bolted.

Last season witnessed the scandal where Allan McGregor and Barry Ferguson indulged in an all-night drinking session following a defeat by the Netherlands under Levein’s predecessor, George Burley.

Levein has informed the players of his abstinence plan ahead of tomorrow’s friendly at home to the Czech Republic, his first match in charge. Burnley striker Steven Fletcher, meanwhile, will play no part in the match after breaking a bone in a hand during training.

“Craig has rules whether he is a club manager or the Scotland manager; he told the players that, when we are in hotels, we do not drink,” said Levein’s assistant, Peter Houston.