Michael O'Neill is wrestling with a handful of big selection calls ahead of his first competitive match as Northern Ireland manager against Russia tonight.
O'Neill has had three friendly matches to assess the players available to him and admits he has found as many questions as answers as he looks to build a side capable of upsetting the odds and qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
There is uncertainty over who will land the goalkeeper's jersey after Lee Camp and Roy Carroll, back from his international exile under Nigel Worthington, played 45 minutes each in the last two matches.
It is also unclear how the back four will line-up in front of the eventual number one, with Aaron Hughes, Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans all established Premier League players vying for two centre-back spots.
The unlucky man will almost certainly be accommodated in the side, with one of Hughes or McAuley likely to move to right-back, but both have a credible claim on their preferred position.
"Players are always disappointed if they're left out but that's why we have a squad, particularly for these double-headers."
Meanwhile, O'Neill must replace the injured Shane Ferguson in midfield, with Andy Little, Jamie Ward and Corry Evans all in contention.
Such uncertainty may not be ideal going into perhaps the toughest away day in Group F but O'Neill will soon be required to show his hand.
"Of course there are big decisions to make, I have multiple headaches," he said.
"There are some key positions where people will have to be picked or not selected.
"That comes with the territory though, simple as that. I have to pick a team with the intention of putting on a good performance and with the goal of getting a positive result.
"The team will be picked with that sole objective in mind."
The former Shamrock Rovers boss knows there will be some disappointment when he reveals his chosen XI but has already suggested that those who miss out today could be required for the home clash against Luxembourg on Tuesday.
"Players are always disappointed if they're left out but that's why we have a squad, particularly for these double-headers.
"We have to play again on Tuesday and also have the logistics of travelling home, so the squad is picked to cope with the two games."
The Northern Ireland boss yesterday declined to get involved in a war of words with the opposition after reports that striker Alexander Kerzhakov told local journalists he had only recently been informed of Northern Ireland's existence.
Asked for his response to that apparent barb, O'Neill was circumspect.
"It doesn't really concern me to be honest," he said. "I'm not really sure (about the translation), but our focus is solely on ourselves and how prepare and perform on the night.
"I believe Kerzhakov has played in Spain for a period so hopefully his geography is a little bit better than that. I would assume most of the Russian players will have heard of Northern Ireland, but it doesn't concern me at all.
"Our focus is with our own players. The opinions of the opposition you can't change or alter."
