CARDIFF — Northern Ireland will be without four players for their friendly against Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday. Ali McCann, Ruairi McConville, Paddy McNair and Bailey Peacock-Farrell will all miss the match.

McCann sat out Northern Ireland's 2-0 World Cup play-off semi-final defeat in Italy with an ankle problem. The midfielder has not recovered in time to face Wales at Cardiff City Stadium.

McConville and McNair both played the full 90 minutes in Northern Ireland's 2-0 World Cup play-off semi-final defeat in Bergamo, Italy. McConville will return to Norwich City, while McNair will return to Hull City.

Peacock-Farrell was named on the bench by Michael O'Neill in the World Cup play-off semi-final defeat in Italy. The goalkeeper's absence means uncapped goalkeeper Josh Clarke will be included in Northern Ireland's squad for the friendly against Wales.

Clarke is on loan at Partick Thistle from Celtic. Pierce Charles started Northern Ireland's 2-0 World Cup play-off semi-final match on his return from injury.

Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard is also injured. Michael O'Neill has a 24-man squad to pick from to face Wales.

Wales lost a World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The friendly against Northern Ireland comes as both teams prepare for their upcoming Nations League campaigns.

The match at Cardiff City Stadium represents an opportunity for both managers to assess their squads ahead of competitive fixtures. Northern Ireland will look to test their depth following the loss of four regular squad members.

O'Neill's team selection will be closely watched as he evaluates options across multiple positions. The absence of Peacock-Farrell provides Clarke with a chance to make his international debut if selected to start.

Both teams enter the fixture following disappointment in World Cup qualification. Northern Ireland's defeat in Italy ended their hopes of reaching Qatar 2022, while Wales' penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina similarly concluded their World Cup ambitions.