The full-back positions seem likely to come into focus again ahead of the two games over the Easter weekend with both Jamal Lewis and Ryan Andrews having knocks that ruled them out of international duty.

Lewis missed the win at Birmingham with a foot injury that meant he was unable to meet up with the rest of the Northern Ireland squad.

Andrews played at St Andrews, but returned to London Colney without playing for England and there are doubts around both ahead of the home game with Leeds on Friday at Vicarage Road (8pm kick-off).

“Jamal went for a scan that evening after he was ruled out of the Birmingham game,” explained interim head coach Tom Cleverely.

“The scan result ruled him out of going away with Northern Ireland, but we’re hopeful he’ll be part of the Easter period.

“Ryan Andrews went off with England and got a dead leg while he was there.

“That meant he wouldn’t be available for their first game so it was agreed it was probably best if he returned back to us.

“He’s rejoined the group and is fit to train.

“Ken Sema and Jeremy Ngakia are ruled out with mid-term injuries, and that’s how that stays for the moment.”

The other factor that will play a part in Cleverley’s team selection on Friday is how those players who represented their countries are when they arrive back at the training ground.

“The players who have been here all week have been fantastic and applied themselves really well,” said Cleverley.

“It’s not been seen as downtime, and they’ve worked hard.

“We’ve been keeping in contact with the players that have been away, and checking on how they’re doing and what condition they’ll be returning in.

“That’s been a new experience for me, but I’ve enjoyed it.

“I’m really happy for the players who have had a successful time with their countries.

“It’s been massive for Giorgi Chakvetadze and his country. I think he’s been recognised by his Prime Minister and I’m sure there’ll be celebrations over there.

“We’ll have to wait until he returns, which we expect to be tomorrow (Thursday), and then assess him to see if we feel he’s fit to be involved on Friday.

“It was helpful that Yaser Asprilla’s game for Colombia was in Europe, and great that he scored an important goal.

“Ismail Kone played earlier in the week so he’s already returned to us.

“We’ll see how Francisco Sierralta and Ryan Porteous are when they return today, and then we’ll have the focus on Leeds.

“It ‘s been a new experience for me, hoping players don’t play 180 minutes, don’t go to extra-time. Those things are all new.

“The pleasing thing is that the likes of Georgia and Canada had big results so you know the players are returning in good spirits.

“But you do find yourself checking up on how Colombia and Chile are doing, and that’s a bit different.”