Front man Feeney eyes start

WARREN Feeney’s chances of starting for Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup match against Scotland have improved with the withdrawal of Kyle Lafferty.

The Glasgow Rangers striker is ill with suspected glandular fever and that could serve to aid the chances of the Athletic man being involved in Dublin on Wednesday night.

Feeney was an unused substitute for Athletic in the 1-1 home draw with Dagenham on Saturday and has only started in two matches for the club since October.

Carl Winchester is celebrating his first call-up for Northern Ireland under-21s.

The 17-year-old right-back is a late addition to the squad, along with club-mate Kirk Millar, for the

international against Wales in Wrexham on Wednesday.