Northern Ireland will be missing four key players for their World Cup double header against Denmark and Iceland. Celtic's Neil Lennon has withdrawn with a groin strain, while Wimbledon's Mark Williams is struggling with a knee problem. Wigan duo Ian Nolan (achilles) and Pat McGibbon (knee) will also miss out. Manager Sammy McIlroy has called up Manchester City's Kevin Horlock. The midfielder will return to the squad after a ten-month absence due to a serious ankle injury.
McIlroy is frustrated at his bad luck with injuries. "I've never known anything like this. I name a squad, but I just seem to be disappointed all the time. There always seems to be three or four players who pull out and that doesn't include the long-term injured, like my captain Steve Lomas," he said.
"But I'm sure it's the same for every manager and you just have to get on with it. I've still got a good squad and I'm happy with the players I've got left," said a philosophical McIlroy.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
