Lennon: International woe (StuForster/Allsport)

Lennon had been handed the captain's armband in the absence of Steve Lomas and Gerry Taggart, who withdrew from the squad through injury.

The match was meant to be a high point after he was jeered by a section of the Irish supporters in a match against Norway a year ago after he joined Celtic.

But following the threat the former Leicester player informed Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy of his decision just hours before kick-off in Belfast.

'The majority of fans supported him before. It's just so ridiculous - I can't believe it,' said Armstrong.

'On police advice he has been told he shouldn't play and I feel he is at the stage where he doesn't need it, his family don't need it - and that is a huge disappointment for the true fans.

'Sammy McIlroy is working hard to get a squad assembled that will do the country proud and they need all the strength they can get. Neil is one of the better players, one of the more experienced players.

'To do this is beyond comprehension to me. To sink so low as to threaten a footballer or his family with a death threat not to play for his country - I think it's terrible.

'I was involved with his first selection. He has progressed superbly as a player, he's a great passer of the ball, and a smashing lad.

'I don't think he should be picked on like this. It's a sad day for Northern Ireland football,' he told Sky Sports News.

Lennon had been looking forward to the game and was upbeat at a press conference yesterday, where he said he hoped to put behind him the troubles of the Norway match.

'It was difficult for me at the time but I have put it all behind me,' he said.

'This is a nice way to start the season by being named captain.'

But his tone had understandably changed 24 hours later, when he said: 'After close consultation with the footballing authorities and the police service of Northern Ireland I will not be participating in this evening's international game.

'I am very disappointed that my desire to play for my country, on my first opportunity to captain my team, has been taken away from me.'

Irish Football Association general secretary David Bowen said: 'I can confirm sadly that Neil has withdrawn for family reasons.

'Police informed Neil of a threat earlier today.

'The manager spoke to Neil and Neil spoke to his family and others and for family reasons he has told us that he has had to withdraw from tonight's game.

'It is a decision he has thought about and we respect that decision.'

Mr Bowen said McIlroy and Lennon's team-mates were 'devastated' by the death threats.

A Celtic spokesperson added: 'We are very disappointed to learn of the circumstances of Neil's having to withdraw, particularly in his first game as captain of his country's team.'

Former Northern Ireland boss Bryan Hamilton, who gave Lennon his international debut in 1994, was saddened by the news.

He said on Radio 5 Live: 'Neil's a fantastic lad - who has gone on to bigger and better things since he made his debut.