Nigel Worthington has warned his players that they face huge embarrassment in San Marino next year unless they get their act together.

The Northern Ireland boss was far from happy after watching his side lose 2-0 at home to Hungary in last night’s friendly at Windsor Park.

It was a dredaful display lacking fight, character and passion.

More of the same and Worthington believes Northern Ireland could be in for an almighty shock when they resume their World Cup qualifying campaiga against San Marino in February.

The Group Three minnows were swept away by the Czech Republic last night in a World Cuip game which means Northern Ireland face a huge uphill battle to qualify for the 2010 finals in South Africa.

The Czechs won 3-0 and moved alongside Poland and Slovenia on seven points after four games.

Table-toppers Slovakia have nine with Northern Ireland on four.

San Marino have a big fat zero, but if they get the video of last night’s action at Windsor Park, they will fancy changing that next year.

With many of the side not playing on a regular basis for their clubs, Worthington accused his players of not being fit enough and said: "If we turn up in that state against San Marino away from home it could be very embarrassing.

“I have told them that. I was honest with them.

"The display was simply not good enough and highlighted where a lot of our players are in terms of not playing for their clubs.

"But what can I do about that? I can't do a thing. That is between the player and the club.

"They looked awful and that comes from their personal situations. If you are not fit, then you are going to be second best.

"We weren't fit enough, we weren't strong enough. It was men against boys."

Honest assessment. No doubt Worthington will hope the likes of Aaron Hughes and George McCartney, injured for the Hungary game, will be back for the match with San Marino. He is certainly going to need them.