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03/06/2005
Out of contract NI players could withdraw from squad
Five Northern Ireland players could withdraw from the squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Germany at Windsor Park.
Keith Gillespie, Jeff Whitley and Philip Mulryne were released by their clubs at the end of the season while Colin Murdock and James Quinn have been offered contracts at Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, but have not yet signed their new deals.
All five players are believed to have expressed concern that if they get injured during Saturday’s match it could jeopardise them getting a new club or contract.
"There is an insurance snag over the players who are unattached and I have got to take on-board the feelings of the players involved," manager Lawrie Sanchez said.
"Even if they don't play they have turned up this week which I asked them to do and that is a positive thing.
"It is a problem that will be dealt with individually and it will be up to the players themselves.”
However, IFA president Jim Boyce was quite clear what road he thinks the five men should go down, when commenting on the situation on Friday.
"It is an honour and a privilege for everyone to play for their country. If they are selected they should play," Boyce told the Press Association.
"This match will give those players who are out of contract the opportunity surely to impress clubs, who may want to take them on board.
"They would be far better getting out on the pitch and showing what they can do rather than sitting back."
Meanwhile, French legend Michel Platini was in Belfast today to help with the draw for the European Under-19 Championships this summer.
The tournament, will be played across the province from Monday, July 18, with England, Germany, France and hosts Northern Ireland, among those competing for the trophy.
(MB)
Keith Gillespie, Jeff Whitley and Philip Mulryne were released by their clubs at the end of the season while Colin Murdock and James Quinn have been offered contracts at Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, but have not yet signed their new deals.
All five players are believed to have expressed concern that if they get injured during Saturday’s match it could jeopardise them getting a new club or contract.
"There is an insurance snag over the players who are unattached and I have got to take on-board the feelings of the players involved," manager Lawrie Sanchez said.
"Even if they don't play they have turned up this week which I asked them to do and that is a positive thing.
"It is a problem that will be dealt with individually and it will be up to the players themselves.”
However, IFA president Jim Boyce was quite clear what road he thinks the five men should go down, when commenting on the situation on Friday.
"It is an honour and a privilege for everyone to play for their country. If they are selected they should play," Boyce told the Press Association.
"This match will give those players who are out of contract the opportunity surely to impress clubs, who may want to take them on board.
"They would be far better getting out on the pitch and showing what they can do rather than sitting back."
Meanwhile, French legend Michel Platini was in Belfast today to help with the draw for the European Under-19 Championships this summer.
The tournament, will be played across the province from Monday, July 18, with England, Germany, France and hosts Northern Ireland, among those competing for the trophy.
(MB)
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