Craig Cathcart named captain of injury-hit Northern Ireland

Craig Cathcart has been named captain of a depleted Northern Ireland as injuries take their toll on Michael O’Neill’s squad ahead of Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifier away to San Marino.

The 34-year-old Cathcart, who has 69 caps, takes the armband after defensive partner Jonny Evans was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The squad is already without Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, Corry Evans, Liam Boyce, Ali McCann and Shayne Lavery, with Conor McMenamin a late withdrawal on Tuesday and fellow forward Conor Washington a doubt.