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17/08/2004
Hughes withdraws from NI squad
Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Hughes has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad ahead of tomorrow night's friendly against Switzerland in Zurich.
Hughes aggravated a groin injury during training in Zurich on Monday and has returned to Crystal Palace for treatment.
While manager Lawrie Sanchez has named no replacement for Hughes, the former Wycombe boss has called up Burnley's Michael Duff in place of Wolves' Mark Clyde who has also had to withdraw because of injury.
Commenting on tomorrow's game, Northern Ireland's last before the beginning of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers next month, Sanchez said there was new buoyancy about his team.
"Everybody is excited about the campaign. Six months ago when I took over people were looking at it with a bit of apprehension," Sanchez said.
"Hopefully now there's a little bit more purpose about it and the results over the last six months have gone as well, if not better, than I could have hoped for, but how far we have come we will see tomorrow."
Meanwhile, ahead of next month's opening home game against Poland, the Irish Football Association (IFA), with the support of the Amalgamation of Official NI Supporters Clubs, has called on supporters to make Windsor Park a 'sea of green' similar to the famous Dutch support which is known for its 'sea of orange'.
In a campaign aimed at building on the blossoming family atmosphere at Windsor Park, supporters are asked to wear the new Northern Ireland football shirt and a green wig with painted green face for the Poland game which kicks off the new campaign on September 4.
(MB)
Hughes aggravated a groin injury during training in Zurich on Monday and has returned to Crystal Palace for treatment.
While manager Lawrie Sanchez has named no replacement for Hughes, the former Wycombe boss has called up Burnley's Michael Duff in place of Wolves' Mark Clyde who has also had to withdraw because of injury.
Commenting on tomorrow's game, Northern Ireland's last before the beginning of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers next month, Sanchez said there was new buoyancy about his team.
"Everybody is excited about the campaign. Six months ago when I took over people were looking at it with a bit of apprehension," Sanchez said.
"Hopefully now there's a little bit more purpose about it and the results over the last six months have gone as well, if not better, than I could have hoped for, but how far we have come we will see tomorrow."
Meanwhile, ahead of next month's opening home game against Poland, the Irish Football Association (IFA), with the support of the Amalgamation of Official NI Supporters Clubs, has called on supporters to make Windsor Park a 'sea of green' similar to the famous Dutch support which is known for its 'sea of orange'.
In a campaign aimed at building on the blossoming family atmosphere at Windsor Park, supporters are asked to wear the new Northern Ireland football shirt and a green wig with painted green face for the Poland game which kicks off the new campaign on September 4.
(MB)
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Sanchez eyes tactical changes for Wales game
The Northern Ireland squad has arrived in Cardiff ahead of Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Wales. Lawrie Sanchez's men know anything less than a draw at the Millennium Stadium will mean the end of their hopes of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany following Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to Poland.
Sanchez eyes tactical changes for Wales game
The Northern Ireland squad has arrived in Cardiff ahead of Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Wales. Lawrie Sanchez's men know anything less than a draw at the Millennium Stadium will mean the end of their hopes of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany following Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to Poland.
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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.
