An early test for debutant keeper Trevor Carson? South Korea look to see how his nerves are, landing the set-piece in his six-yard box. But he collects easily to huge cheers from the Windsor Park fans.

Jamal Lewis makes a burst up the left flank, the move ending when the South Koreans block a shot. And then they spring forward to win a corner...

Northern Ireland are playing in an unfamiliar light blue kit today. Maybe that's in homage to the Cambridge University rowing squad. It is the Boat Race this afternoon after all...

...we know who South Korea's dangerman is - and here's why. Son Heung-min wriggles his way down the left side of the box, getting to the byeline and crossing into the Northern Irish box.

No red shirts are there, however, and home debutant Jamal Lewis is perfectly positioned to head clear.

Belfast is basked in glorious sunshine. Spring has arrived! Finally.

South Korea get the game rolling and they are straight on the attack...

Image source, Reuters

Jonny Evans and opposing counterpart Ki Sung-yeung shake hands and hand over pennants before contesting the toss.

Here's another reminder of the two teams...

Image source, BBC Sport

Here we go then. The two sets of players march out of the Windsor Park tunnel to a healthy ovation from the 18,000 crowd, which includes quite a few face-painted and flag-waving South Koreans.

That's a solid effort wherever they've travelled from. Even if it's Belfast...

Image source, Getty Images

There's no question who is going to provide the trickiest test for the Northern Ireland defence today - Tottenham forward Son Heung-min.

Son has been in shining form (sorry) for Spurs recently, scoring seven times in his last five games.

That has taken his tally to 39 goals over the past two seasons, but South Korea captain and Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng still thinks Son is under-appreciated in England.

"I think he must get more credit," Ki said. "He has to be in more of the top stories in newspapers.

"He scores very important goals for Spurs and the consistency is not easy for every player."

Image source, Getty Images

Unlike the Northern Irish, South Korea will be going to the World Cup.

Captained by Swansea's Ki Sung-yeung and inspired by Tottenham's Son Heung-min, they qualified for their tenth World Cup by finishing in the second automatic spot in their Asian qualifying group.

It means they are the only side outside of Europe and South America to be ever-present at the finals since 1986.

I'm massively surprised that South Korea are ranked so much lower than the Northern Irish I must admit.

BBC Sport NI's Richard Petrie at Windsor Park: "It may only be a friendly and the disappointment of Northern Ireland failing to reach the World Cup finals may still be raw in many supporters' minds but today's attendance for the game against South Korea is still expected to be a virtual 18,000 sell-out such is the level of interest in the international team these days.

"In contrast to the bitterly cold nights fans usually have to endure on big match nights at Windsor Park, warm sunshine is the order of the day today at the National Stadium and the pitch is in perfect condition for the players of both sides to parade their skills.

"Here's hoping for an entertaining game..."

Image source, PA

Sometimes it is easy to forget that most professional footballers don't earn the sort of money that most of us can only dream about winning on the Lotto.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Trevor Carson has reminded us after revealing his disappointment at missing out on a big-money move to Celtic in January.

But he wasn't as disappointed as his wife....

"Me and my missus played a game of 'let's see what we could have bought, let's see where we could have gone on holiday'," he said.

"I haven't earned big money, I've been at lower-league clubs. I'm turning 30, it would have been life-changing money. Football's such a short career as well; you've got to look out for yourself and your family.

"It was disappointing but it didn't happen. I was trying to explain to (Rachel), the window's actually shut now. She was like, 'It might still happen'. I said, 'No, that's it, done, so put all them catalogues back'."

With those quotes, Trevor Carson sounds like a reporter's dream. And he doesn't stop there with the soundbites...

Image source, Press Eye

Not only is Trevor Carson is about to make his long-awaited Northern Ireland debut, he's also going to be honoured in his home village.

The 30-year-old Motherwell stopper will be depicted on an iconic mural in Killyleagh after getting the nod from boss Michael O'Neill.

It features three villagers, including David Healy, who have represented NI.

"If I have to paint myself onto it, I will," joked Carson. "Hopefully I'm better looking than I am in real life."

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says he believes he can mould a squad capable of qualifying for major tournaments after agreeing an improved contract to remain in the position until 2024.

O'Neill talks to BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson about the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup, his ambitions to re-shape the squad, why he decided to reject the overtures of Scotland and some leading clubs and the international future of Chris Brunt.

BBC Sport NI's Richard Petrie at Windsor Park: "Today's match has the feeling of something of a new beginning for Northern Ireland as they begin to look to the future following the gut-wrenching disappointment of missing out on the World Cup finals in such controversial circumstances against Switzerland in November.

"Michael O'Neill has signed an improved contract which will see him remain as international boss until 2024 and today's team sheet gives a glimpse of the talent which will shape the team's future.

"Jamal Lewis makes his debut, Jordan Jones is handed a first start and George Saville is given the chance to further build his reputation as a midfield star of the future after announcing himself on the international stage in impressive fashion against the likes of Germany and the Swiss in the autumn."

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min and Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yeung are the stand-out names in the South Korea XI.

If anyone can work out who is on the away bench then give me a shout...

As expected, Michael O'Neill has named a relatively inexperienced side (plus Aaron Hughes).

There are debuts for 30-year-old Motherwell keeper Trevor Carson and 20-year-old Norwich defender Jamal Lewis.

Millwall midfielder George Saville earns his fifth cap, while Kilmarnock's Jordan Jones is handed his first start.

Talking of new faces let's see which ones we will see today by taking in the team news from Windsor Park. There are also a few familiar ones there too...