Michael O'Neill insists opportunity knocks for the younger players in his squad as Northern Ireland's injury crisis deepened on Tuesday.
Conor McMenamin became the latest name to withdraw after failing to recover from a 'persistent calf injury'.
He joins a concerning absentee list including influential captain Steven Davis, Jonny Evans, Stuart Dallas, Corry Evans and Ali McCann.
Read more: Northern Ireland rocked by another high-profile withdrawal ahead of qualifiers
Strikers Shayne Lavery and Liam Boyce will also miss the Euro qualifying openers against San Marino and Finland due to injury, while Conor Washington underwent a fitness test on Tuesday ahead of the team's departure for Serravalle.
“We’re down some senior players, there’s no doubt about that but this gives an opportunity to the younger players and I’m enthused by what I’ve seen,” said O’Neill, preparing for his first game since returning to the international hot-seat in December.
“It’s a big step for some of them if we ask them to start a game, so we have to be mindful of what we’re asking of the younger players.”
Leicester City defender Evans withdrew on Monday after failing to recover from a hamstring strain, with O'Neill confirming that Craig Cathcart will captain the team in the upcoming double-header.
"I think we’re covered at centre-back pretty well. I look at the options we have," O'Neill added.
"We have Shea Charles and Paddy McNair who are predominantly midfield players but can play in a back three or back four.
“Paddy has been playing there for (Middlesbrough) and Shea played there for (Manchester) City in the under-21 game on Sunday against Manchester United so those are all situations where I think we’ve got enough cover in there to deal with the absence of Jonny.”
O'Neill is preparing for his first game since returning as manager in December.
The 53-year-old's previous reign ended in November 2019 after he accepted a club job with Stoke City.
“It’s been great (to be back),” he said. “I’m getting to know some of these lads who were very young players when I was last in this position, it’s great to see them here. Conor Bradley, Isaac Price, Dale Taylor, they’re all lads who were 15 or 16 at the time and now they’re here with the senior squad.
“It’s very positive for us to see that development. We have to prepare a team very quickly for the game on Thursday night…
“I’m enthused by the group of players. I’ve enjoyed the build up to this, I’ve enjoyed putting the staff together and particularly the new players. You do wish some of the injuries hadn’t occurred but that’s just something as an international manager you have to play the hand you’re dealt.
“We have to get the maximum out of the players here.”
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