Rory McArdle’s patience will surely pay off with a sixth cap for depleted Northern Ireland tonight.

Suspensions to Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley has left national boss Michael O’Neill searching for two new centre halves for the final World Cup qualifier against Israel.

McArdle has sat on the bench for the past three games – all defeats which have left the Northern Irish only goal difference off the bottom of their group.

O’Neill used a three-man defence for the 2-0 loss in Azerbaijan on Friday but may revert to four at the back in Tel Aviv.

“We are down in experience and numbers,” he said.

“Craig Cathcart has played very well in all the games he has been asked to play in. The options are Alex Bruce and Rory McArdle – and Chris Baird has played there in the past as well.”

All of McArdle’s previous international appearances have been in friendlies.