Northern Ireland's James McPake doubtful for Russia qualifier
Last updated on .From the section Football
Northern Ireland defender James McPake is a major doubt for next month's World Cup qualifier against Russia because of a back injury.
McPake sustained the injury while playing for Hibs in the 7-0 defeat by Malmo in the Europa League qualifier at Easter Road on Thursday night.
Hibs boss Pat Fenlon said McPake will be sidelined "for a while".
Northern Ireland go into the August 15 qualifier second bottom in Group F and without a win after five games.
McPake made his senior international debut in the 6-0 defeat by the Netherlands in June last year.
The 29-year-old qualifies for Northern Ireland through a Coleraine-born grandparent.
