We miss fans but job still needs done, says Cathcart
CRAIG Cathcart says Northern Ireland have no option but to get the World Cup job done without a Windsor Park roar.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no supporters allowed into the venue for tomorrow’s friendly with USA and Wednesday’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.
Next week’s game already has a make-or-break feel to it after the 2-0 defeat to Italy in Parma.
Former Manchester United defender Cathcart says the Italy loss was a learning curve for all the players, particularly the rising stars like Ali Mccann, and he accepts business will have to be done without the Green and White Army.
“It’s a completely different game, you miss the atmosphere even from the warm-up when you are talking to people and it gets you ramped up for the game,” said the Watford defender, who has 58 caps.
“It’s the same for everyone and Northern Ireland fans are a massive part of our game so hopefully they are back sooner rather than later.
“Younger players have come into the squad and Ali has been brilliant, he has great energy and games like this are huge experience for all the lads.”
With manager Ian Baraclough shuffling his pack for the USA clash, this friendly promises to be another tough test for Northern Ireland.
The USA have found the net 23 times in their last four games, including Thursday’s 4-1 win over Jamaica.
Gregg Berhalter won’t be able to call upon the services of Tyler Adams and Tim Weah due to Covid-19-related protocols with their respective clubs.
Nicholas Gioacchini has been readmitted to the squad, while Reggie Cannon and John Brooks left the team after the game against Jamaica.
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic played one half of the Jamaica game and could feature more prominently against Northern Ireland.
“It was a planned substitution,” Berhalter said. “Before the game we knew he was only going to play 45 minutes, and when I think about his minutes, we want to progress him in a safe way, but we also want to help get him fit.”