Hi °C | Lo °C George McCartney will not be able to answer a Northern Ireland SOS after he was ordered to rest until Wednesday morning.
Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington was hoping to fly McCartney, who missed the Denmark victory because of ankle ligament damage, out to Gran Canaria today ahead of Wednesday night's crunch final qualifier against Spain.
But the 26-year-old has been told by the West Ham physio that he is not allowed to start training again until tomorrow.
McCartney said last night: "I thought I had a chance of flying out to Gran Canaria. I had hoped to train on Monday morning and thought things would be okay, but now I have been told I have to wait until Wednesday.
"The West Ham physio knows best and I have to abide by his decision."
McCartney's absence is a massive blow for Worthington's left back plans as he has Jonny Evans out through suspension. He must decide whether to bring back Tony Capaldi or use Chris Baird in that position.
Ivan Sproule is expected to come straight in for the suspended Keith Gillespie.
