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16/08/2005
Rumours rife over McCartney – Sanchez fall out
The BBC has claimed that Sunderland defender George McCartney no longer wants to play for Northern Ireland while manager Lawrie Sanchez is in charge.
Rumours among the media and supporters over recent months suggest that Belfast-born McCartney has had problems with Sanchez’s style of management and that this came to a head following the 4-1 defeat to Germany at Windsor Park at the end of last season.
While no official statement has been made by either player or manager, McCartney was not named in Northern Ireland’s 16-man squad which arrived for a friendly with Malta in Valetta on Monday night. However, the 24-year-old has missed most of Sunderland’s pre-season because of a hamstring problem and is likely to be out for another month.
Also missing from Northern Ireland’s squad for Wednesday night’s game are five other defenders - Chris Baird, Mark Clyde, Tony Capaldi and Gareth McAuley – who are all out through injury.
Aaron Hughes, Colin Murdock and Stephen Craigan are the now the only recognised defenders in the squad which is likely to mean that Sanchez will opt for three centre half’s and two attacking wing backs.
Northern Ireland go into Wednesday’s game without a win since last summer’s Carribean tour against Trinidad & Tobago.
Next month they face both Azerbaijan and England at Windsor Park in their 2006 World Cup qualifying group.
Wednesday’s squad is named as: M Taylor, M Ingham, A Hughes, C Murdock, S Craigan, J Whitley, S Davis, D Johnson, C Brunt, S Elliott, K Gillespie, P Mulryne, D Healy, J Quinn, W Feeney, S Jones.
(MB/SP)
Rumours among the media and supporters over recent months suggest that Belfast-born McCartney has had problems with Sanchez’s style of management and that this came to a head following the 4-1 defeat to Germany at Windsor Park at the end of last season.
While no official statement has been made by either player or manager, McCartney was not named in Northern Ireland’s 16-man squad which arrived for a friendly with Malta in Valetta on Monday night. However, the 24-year-old has missed most of Sunderland’s pre-season because of a hamstring problem and is likely to be out for another month.
Also missing from Northern Ireland’s squad for Wednesday night’s game are five other defenders - Chris Baird, Mark Clyde, Tony Capaldi and Gareth McAuley – who are all out through injury.
Aaron Hughes, Colin Murdock and Stephen Craigan are the now the only recognised defenders in the squad which is likely to mean that Sanchez will opt for three centre half’s and two attacking wing backs.
Northern Ireland go into Wednesday’s game without a win since last summer’s Carribean tour against Trinidad & Tobago.
Next month they face both Azerbaijan and England at Windsor Park in their 2006 World Cup qualifying group.
Wednesday’s squad is named as: M Taylor, M Ingham, A Hughes, C Murdock, S Craigan, J Whitley, S Davis, D Johnson, C Brunt, S Elliott, K Gillespie, P Mulryne, D Healy, J Quinn, W Feeney, S Jones.
(MB/SP)
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25 March 2005
Injury forces McCartney out of NI squad
Sunderland defender George McCartney has been forced out of Northern Ireland’s squad ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against England. McCartney, who was a certain starter for the game at Old Trafford, has been suffering with a groin injury.
Injury forces McCartney out of NI squad
Sunderland defender George McCartney has been forced out of Northern Ireland’s squad ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against England. McCartney, who was a certain starter for the game at Old Trafford, has been suffering with a groin injury.
17 August 2005
Sanchez confirms McCartney rumours
Lawrie Sanchez has confirmed that Sunderland defender George McCartney no longer wants to play for Northern Ireland while he is still international boss. The former Wycombe boss confirmed what was already a poorly kept secret during a press conference in Malta where his severely depleted side face their hosts in Valetta on Wednesday night.
Sanchez confirms McCartney rumours
Lawrie Sanchez has confirmed that Sunderland defender George McCartney no longer wants to play for Northern Ireland while he is still international boss. The former Wycombe boss confirmed what was already a poorly kept secret during a press conference in Malta where his severely depleted side face their hosts in Valetta on Wednesday night.
11 October 2004
Healy boost for NI ahead of Austria game
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks set to recall striker David Healy to his 11-man line up for this Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Austria at Windsor Park. The Preston North End hitman missed Saturday’s 0-0 with Azerbaijan because of suspension following his sending off against Wales in Cardiff last month.
Healy boost for NI ahead of Austria game
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks set to recall striker David Healy to his 11-man line up for this Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Austria at Windsor Park. The Preston North End hitman missed Saturday’s 0-0 with Azerbaijan because of suspension following his sending off against Wales in Cardiff last month.
31 August 2004
Mulryne and Baird out of NI squad
Northern Ireland have lost two players through injury ahead of this weekend's opening World Cup qualifier against Poland at Windsor Park.
Mulryne and Baird out of NI squad
Northern Ireland have lost two players through injury ahead of this weekend's opening World Cup qualifier against Poland at Windsor Park.
14 November 2005
Sanchez names NI squad ahead of Portugal friendly
Northern Ireland Manager Lawrie Sanchez has named his squad for Tuesday night's friendly against Portugal at Windsor Park. The 19-man squad arrived in the province on Sunday ahead of the game which is part of the IFA's 125th anniversary.
Sanchez names NI squad ahead of Portugal friendly
Northern Ireland Manager Lawrie Sanchez has named his squad for Tuesday night's friendly against Portugal at Windsor Park. The 19-man squad arrived in the province on Sunday ahead of the game which is part of the IFA's 125th anniversary.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
