Northern Ireland Defenders Craig Cathcart and Ciaron Brown Ruled Out of Euro 2024 Qualifier Against Kazakhstan
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Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign has been dealt a major blow with the news that defenders Craig Cathcart and Ciaron Brown have been ruled out of Sunday’s match against Kazakhstan in Astana. The pair join a long list of senior players who are unavailable for selection, including Daniel Ballard, Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, Jamal Lewis, Shane Ferguson, Conor Bradley, Corry Evans, Gavin Whyte, Shayne Lavery and Dale Taylor.
Brown was forced off injured in the first half of the recent match against Slovenia with an ankle injury, while Cathcart was substituted 15 minutes from time with a groin complaint. Sunderland defender Ballard was also deemed unfit to play any part in the game.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has been left with a severely depleted squad for the double-header in September, and his side currently sit fifth in Group H with three points from five games. Their only win so far came away to San Marino, but they have since suffered defeats to Finland, Denmark, Kazakhstan and Slovenia.
The absence of Cathcart and Brown will be a major blow for O’Neill’s side, who will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Kazakhstan on Sunday. Midfielder Shea Charles is likely to join Jonny Evans in central defence in their absence.
The Northern Ireland squad will be hoping to put their injury woes behind them and get back to winning ways in their remaining Euro 2024 qualifiers. With their next game against Kazakhstan on Sunday, they will be looking to put in a strong performance and pick up three points to boost their chances of qualification.
O’Neill will be hoping that his side can overcome the injury crisis and secure a positive result against Kazakhstan on Sunday. With a number of senior players unavailable for selection, it will be a difficult task for the Northern Ireland squad but one that they will be determined to succeed in.