Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington has been waiting impatiently for tomorrow night's friendly against Israel as he looks to keep their FIFA World Cup™ qualification charge on track.

Worthington's men sit second in Group 3, three points clear of Poland who will be their next opposition next month.

With the prize of a first FIFA World Cup berth in 24 years on the line, the summer hiatus has been a frustrating time for Worthington as he seeks to maintain his team's momentum.

"It has been three-and-a-half months since this group of players have been together," said Worthington.

"Wednesday night's game is crucial in our build-up to the Poland match next month and it will be good to get players out there on the training ground again so we can work on some things."

Worthington has a strong squad to choose from as his players have answered his call to take the game seriously even as it falls at an inopportune time for many at the start of their club campaigns.

Israel will be led by Yossi Benayoun of Liverpool and Manchester City's Tal Ben Haim, who is in line for his 50th cap.