Skipper Gareth McAuley is one of a number of Town players away on international duty this week. The Northern Irishman is set to win his 14th full cap in a World Cup qualifier in San Marino on Wednesday.

McAuley has been playing at right-back rather than centre-half for Nigel Worthington's side, but says he isn't bothered so long as he is involved: "I'm a centre-half but I'll play anywhere for my country.

"There was a time when I thought I would never play again for Northern Ireland, so to be involved is fantastic.

"I was so down and honestly thought that I had no international future. It went through my head that there was no point being involved in a squad when I wasn't going to play.

"But then I was picked for Sweden and my international career turned full circle.

"I would now never even think about retiring because what has happened to me during the last year proves that you should never give up hope or stop believing in yourself.

"I was asked to play right-back and even though it's not my natural position that doesn't bother me because I've really enjoyed it and I think that is demonstrated in my performances. I've a hunger to succeed and can do a job.”

Elsewhere, Veliche Shumulikoski is in the Macedonia squad for their friendly against Moldova in Antalya, Turkey, also on Wednesday.

On the same night, Alex Bruce and the Republic of Ireland full squad take on Georgia in a World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

Owen Garvan, named the Republic of Ireland U21 Player of the Year over the weekend, is in their squad for their friendly against Germany in Cork on Tuesday.

Chris Casement, currently on loan at Wycombe, is in the Northern Ireland U21 squad playing Wales in Ballymena, also on Tuesday.

Young striker Paul Murphy is in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad playing friendlies with Russia in Sochi on Tuesday and Thursday. Murphy, 17, is currently back in Dublin having suffered with home sickness during the first half of the season.

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