Menu
17/08/2005
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.
McCartney, 24, revealed to the BBC early this week that he no longer wanted to play for Sanchez but that he was not retiring from international duty. In response, Sanchez said he knew about George’s “commitment” but that he was “more concerned about players who want to play for Northern Ireland”.
"My job is do my best for Northern Ireland," the manager said.
"I made it plain from day one to the players that I only wanted those who were fully committed.
"Anything else can lead to conflict, and some players want to pick when they play. When they want to play they expect to play.
"It led to a situation where you had the game against Spain when 13 players withdrew from the squad.
"I have been fairly consistent. It is not my job to chase players to play for Northern Ireland. In that situation you end up with the player in charge."
Northern Ireland go into Wednesday’s friendly with only three recognised defenders – Aaron Hughes, Stephen Craigan and Colin Murdock.
Sanchez is likely to go for two wing-backs in the game to compensate for his side’s defensive lack of numbers.
Northern Ireland's probable side is: Taylor, Elliott, Hughes, Murdock, Craigan, Gillespie, Johnson, Davis, Whitley, Healy, Quinn.
(MB/SP)
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.
McCartney, 24, revealed to the BBC early this week that he no longer wanted to play for Sanchez but that he was not retiring from international duty. In response, Sanchez said he knew about George’s “commitment” but that he was “more concerned about players who want to play for Northern Ireland”.
"My job is do my best for Northern Ireland," the manager said.
"I made it plain from day one to the players that I only wanted those who were fully committed.
"Anything else can lead to conflict, and some players want to pick when they play. When they want to play they expect to play.
"It led to a situation where you had the game against Spain when 13 players withdrew from the squad.
"I have been fairly consistent. It is not my job to chase players to play for Northern Ireland. In that situation you end up with the player in charge."
Northern Ireland go into Wednesday’s friendly with only three recognised defenders – Aaron Hughes, Stephen Craigan and Colin Murdock.
Sanchez is likely to go for two wing-backs in the game to compensate for his side’s defensive lack of numbers.
Northern Ireland's probable side is: Taylor, Elliott, Hughes, Murdock, Craigan, Gillespie, Johnson, Davis, Whitley, Healy, Quinn.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 October 2017
Northern Ireland To Play Switzerland In World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland will play against Switzerland in next month's World Cup play-offs. Micheal O'Neill's side were paired with the Swiss and will play at Windsor Park Stadium in the first leg, and away in the second. Mr O'Neill said: O'Neill said: "Whoever we got we knew it was going to be a difficult game.
Northern Ireland To Play Switzerland In World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland will play against Switzerland in next month's World Cup play-offs. Micheal O'Neill's side were paired with the Swiss and will play at Windsor Park Stadium in the first leg, and away in the second. Mr O'Neill said: O'Neill said: "Whoever we got we knew it was going to be a difficult game.
11 February 2022
£2m Schools Outdoor Learning Project Announced
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced an investment of almost £2 million in a new Outdoor Learning Project for pre-schools, nursery and primary schools.
£2m Schools Outdoor Learning Project Announced
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced an investment of almost £2 million in a new Outdoor Learning Project for pre-schools, nursery and primary schools.
14 May 2004
Lottery boost to transform east Belfast childcare facilities
A parish hall in east Belfast will be transformed into a state-of-the-art childcare centre thanks to a lottery windfall announced today by the New Opportunities Fund. East Belfast based charity Oasis Caring in Action Limited has been awarded a grant of £227,991 to renovate the hall off the Castlereagh Road into an early years childcare centre.
Lottery boost to transform east Belfast childcare facilities
A parish hall in east Belfast will be transformed into a state-of-the-art childcare centre thanks to a lottery windfall announced today by the New Opportunities Fund. East Belfast based charity Oasis Caring in Action Limited has been awarded a grant of £227,991 to renovate the hall off the Castlereagh Road into an early years childcare centre.
29 July 2021
Lord Mayor Supports National Play Day
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, has helped to launch the lead up to National Play Day on 04 August. This year's National Play Day theme is 'Summer of Play', celebrating children's right to play following a difficult 18 months of restrictions caused by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lord Mayor Supports National Play Day
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, has helped to launch the lead up to National Play Day on 04 August. This year's National Play Day theme is 'Summer of Play', celebrating children's right to play following a difficult 18 months of restrictions caused by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
09 June 2022
Alliance Secures Action On Delivery of Inclusive Play Parks
Belfast City Council has agreed to begin work on the delivery of inclusive play across the city following a proposal from Alliance. Alliance Councillor Ross McMullan said no children should have the daily experience of exclusion from city and neighbourhood play parks.
Alliance Secures Action On Delivery of Inclusive Play Parks
Belfast City Council has agreed to begin work on the delivery of inclusive play across the city following a proposal from Alliance. Alliance Councillor Ross McMullan said no children should have the daily experience of exclusion from city and neighbourhood play parks.
-
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.
