Football news in brief: Healy and McCourt lead hunt for goals

NORTHERN IRELAND V FAROE ISLANDS: Nigel Worthington accepts his side need to beat the Faroe Islands to stay in the hunt for a place at Euro 2012 but has warned fans not to expect a walkover tonight at Windsor Park.

Worthington knows how important victory could be - it would leave his side two points behind second-placed Slovenia with a game in hand - but does not predict they will be allowed to run rampant. "We need to win and to keep on the heels of the opposition. We still have a game in hand," he said. "But the Faroes will be well organised and behind the ball. It won't be easy."

Worthington will rely on record-scorer David Healy of Rangers, Celtic's Pat McCourt and uncapped Derby forward Jamie Ward to do the damage up front.

Bale back for Welsh as Bellamy starts

WALES V AUSTRALIA: Gareth Bale is set to make his first appearance for Wales in ten months against Australia at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight. The Tottenham winger has not featured under current manager Gary Speed after injuries ruled him out of the entire Carling Nations Cup campaign and the Euro 2012 defeat to England. The 22-year-old is set to play in the friendly against the Socceroos and Speed said: "Hopefully Gareth will feature, he has looked good in training this week and we are keen for him to play a part tomorrow.

"He had a great season last year and hopefully he can kick on from there."

Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy is expected to start despite starting the season without first-team football after finding opportunities limited under Roberto Mancini.

Trapattoni calls up Chelsea teenager

REP OF IRELAND v CROATIA: Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's friendly against Croatia tonight. It had been expected that Doyle would feature in the match at the Aviva Stadium having received his first call-up since sustaining knee ligament damage in March. But Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni said yesterday that the 27-year-old was "not 100 per cent fit" and confirmed he would play no part.

Chelsea youngster Conor Clifford has been called into the squad and was due to join up with the seniors after playing for the under-21s against Austria in Sligo last night. Trapattoni needs the 19-year-old to provide cover in midfield having seen a string of players pull out due to injury, including Scots-born James McCarthy.