N. IRELAND

JOSH Magennis, Corry Evans and Aaron Hughes will all miss Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Norway today.

Charlton striker Magennis, 27, is ruled out with a hamstring problem with Evans not risked because of a groin strain and Hughes nursing a calf injury.

With Magennis missing and Kyle Lafferty out of favour at Norwich, former Newport County striker Conor Washington could earn his sixth cap.

QPR striker Washington, 24, has scored in both his starts at Windsor Park.

Washington is being tipped to partner Nottingham Forest striker Jamie Ward in attack.

Watford defender Craig Cathcart’s return to fitness after missing the opening four qualifiers because of a groin injury means he is pushing for a return to Michael O’Neill’s side.

Striker Washington believes Northern Ireland are on course to clinch second place in the their group and a play-off for a place at the 2018 World Cup finals.

Michael O’Neill’s men are currently second in Group C, five points behind Germany who have a maximum 12.

“You would probably say Germany are going to win the group, barring some massive crash from them, so second place is where we want to be,” said the 24-year-old.

“We are exactly where we want to be points-wise and performance-wise up to now.

“Norway might have to have a makeshift defence which makes your eyes light up as a striker.

“This is a big game, they have got a new manager and they are going to want to get on some sort of run to steal our spot essentially.

“It is really important that at home we put down a marker.”