Team News: Northern Ireland forced into changes for Romania qualifier

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has been forced into making three changes for their Euro 2016 qualifier against Romania in Bucharest this evening.

Captain Steven Davis, Shane Ferguson and Jamie Ward are all injury absentees from the side who won 2-0 in Greece last month for a third straight Group F victory.

Kyle Lafferty scored that night and is given the task of leading the line again, with Aberdeen's Niall McGinn replacing Ward as his main support act.

Experienced midfielder Chris Brunt returns, while Port Vale full-back Ryan McGivern is handed a start.

Romania includes Tottenham Hotspur defender Vlad Chiriches former West Ham United loanee Razvan Rat and Bogdan Stancu, who has scored 50% of their goals in qualifying thus far, in their lineup.

Northern Ireland are top of the group with a 100% record after three games, with Romania two points back.

Romania: Tatarusanu; Papp, Chirches, Grigore, Rat; Torje, Sanmartean, Pintilii, Tanase; Chipciu; Stancu

N. Ireland Carroll; McLaughlin, Hughes, McAuley, McGivern; Baird, Brunt, C Evans, Norwood; McGinn; K Lafferty

Follow Sports Mole's live commentary of the match by clicking here.