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03/06/2003
Smith aims to do an Italian Job
Glentoran striker Andy Smith is to get his first full international cap for Northern Ireland tonight as Sammy McIlroy's team take on Italy in Campobasso.
The part-time Irish league player will partner Preston's David Healy up front as Northern Ireland attempt to score their first goal in almost 800 minutes of football.
Although many commentators have scoffed at the idea of an Irish league player representing Northern Ireland, no one can doubt the enthusiasm of the Oval ace who has put other more professional players to shame with his attitude to an international call-up.
Commenting on his selection Andy Smith said: "It was overwhelming to be named in the recent B squad but to get a call-up to the senior squad is something I never imagined. I am confident in my own ability to believe I can do myself, my club and the Irish League proud."
Smith was also full of praise for boss McIlroy describing him as "one of the best motivators I have ever come across".
"He makes every player believe they are going to be the best player on the pitch and the likes of Neil Warnock and Adrian Heath at Sheffield United wouldn't even come close," he added.
Also making their debut appearance will be Southampton FA Cup star, Chris Baird who will play at full back, while Bristol City's Tommy Doherty, comes into midfield in place of the absent Steve Lomas.
Lomas' captaincy will revert to Newcastle United's Aaron Hughes, a legend amongst Northern Ireland fans even at the tender age of 23.
He will be partnered in the centre of defence by George McCartney of Sunderland.
Tonight's game, which is taking place in aid of an Italian earthquake fund, will be a useful warm-up for Northern Ireland who face Spain in Belfast next Wednesday for a Euro 2004 qualifier.
The Northern Ireland team for tonight is: Taylor, Baird, Hughes (capt), McCartney, Kennedy, Griffin, Doherty, Johnson, McVeigh, Healy, Smith.
(MB)
The part-time Irish league player will partner Preston's David Healy up front as Northern Ireland attempt to score their first goal in almost 800 minutes of football.
Although many commentators have scoffed at the idea of an Irish league player representing Northern Ireland, no one can doubt the enthusiasm of the Oval ace who has put other more professional players to shame with his attitude to an international call-up.
Commenting on his selection Andy Smith said: "It was overwhelming to be named in the recent B squad but to get a call-up to the senior squad is something I never imagined. I am confident in my own ability to believe I can do myself, my club and the Irish League proud."
Smith was also full of praise for boss McIlroy describing him as "one of the best motivators I have ever come across".
"He makes every player believe they are going to be the best player on the pitch and the likes of Neil Warnock and Adrian Heath at Sheffield United wouldn't even come close," he added.
Also making their debut appearance will be Southampton FA Cup star, Chris Baird who will play at full back, while Bristol City's Tommy Doherty, comes into midfield in place of the absent Steve Lomas.
Lomas' captaincy will revert to Newcastle United's Aaron Hughes, a legend amongst Northern Ireland fans even at the tender age of 23.
He will be partnered in the centre of defence by George McCartney of Sunderland.
Tonight's game, which is taking place in aid of an Italian earthquake fund, will be a useful warm-up for Northern Ireland who face Spain in Belfast next Wednesday for a Euro 2004 qualifier.
The Northern Ireland team for tonight is: Taylor, Baird, Hughes (capt), McCartney, Kennedy, Griffin, Doherty, Johnson, McVeigh, Healy, Smith.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
