Trio out of qualifier

Northern Ireland have lost three strikers ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroe Islands on Wednesday night, with Josh McQuoid, Martin Paterson and James McClean all withdrawing from the squad.

Millwall's McQuoid suffered a knock in training and was left out of the Lions' season opener against Reading on Saturday, while Paterson was substituted at half-time in Burnley's clash with Watford.

No official reason has been given for the withdrawal of McClean, the Derry City forward who has been linked with Sunderland in recent weeks, with speculation that he could be set to switch his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.

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