Turkey vs. Northern Ireland Live Score, Preview, Predictions, Schedule: International Friendly 2013
Northern Ireland will face Turkey in an international friendly on Friday.
Both teams have already been eliminated from contention for the World Cup and will not play in a competitive match until the qualifiers for the 2016 Euro Cup. However, Northern Ireland managed Michael O'Neill still feels that friendlies are essential.
"Games like this are essential," he said according to Football.co.uk."The next date is in March and after that there is possibly an opportunity at the end of May with teams preparing for Brazil, we'll look at options there, so these games are invaluable.
"Three friendly games amounts to about nine days with the players, I think that puts into perspective the challenge we face," he added. "I understand some of the clubs have difficulties with them but for us to be able to build and develop a team we have to be able to have all of these fixtures.
Northern Ireland finished fifth in a group that included Russia Portugal, Israel, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. Turkey finished fourth in a group that included Netherlands, Romania, Hungary, Estonia and Andorra.
According to BBC, Northern Ireland's roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Roy Carroll (Olympiakos), Alan Mannus (St Johnstone)
Defenders: Jonny Evans (Manchester United), Lee Hodson (MK Dons), Daniel Lafferty (Burnley), Rory McArdle (Bradford City), Aaron Hughes (Fulham), Ryan McGivern (Hibernian), James McPake (Hibernian)
Midfielders: Chris Baird (Reading), Steven Davis (Southampton), Oliver Norwood (Huddersfield Town), Sammy Clingan (Kilmarnock), Jonny Steele (New York Red Bulls)
Forwards: Billy McKay (Inverness), Martin Paterson (Huddersfield), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Will Grigg (Brentford).
Prediction: The Turks are far more impressive and should cruise to a 2-0 win at home.
Start Time: Kick-off starts at 2 p.m. EST.
The Match will not be broadcast on television or online in the United States.