CW1980
24 Oct 2004, 11:12 AM
I reckon the Jocks would be bricking themselves at the prospect and so this probably won't happen.
Lawrie says no to Cyprus as IFA wait on Scotland
By Malcolm Brodie
23 October 2004
NORTHERN Ireland have had to decline an invitation from the Cyprus Football Federation to take part in a mini tournament on the island next February.
As well as the host nation Finland and Latvia are participating.
Now the search is on for a squad to replace the Irish.
David Currie, head of the IFA's International Division, said it would have been difficult to obtain players and the schedule also included two matches in two days making it a non-starter.
Northern Ireland manager, Lawrie Sanchez, not enamoured either by the idea has also opted against using the international free date next month.
Like the Cyprus trip a game then would, no doubt, become a scenario of withdrawals and consequently the theories would serve no useful purpose.
Sanchez is placing the emphasis on the February date when it is hoped to stage a game at Windsor Park - one which will prove attractive to the fans who have given such fantastic support throughout this World Cup qualifying campaign.
Belgium have expressed an interest but the IFA have been working on the possibility of a visit from Scotland.
Currie said: "The Scottish FA are still finalising their programme.
We are waiting to hear from them."
Sanchez, now on vacation in Egypt during his son Jack's mid-term break, is concentrating primarily on the build-up for the next World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford.
Interest in this by Northern Ireland supporters is phenomenal and it's likely they will have perhaps double the number who attended that epic clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
Currie said: "We have been inundated with calls.
Everyone wants to go it seems.
"We don't know yet what ticket allocation we'll get nor the price range.
An announcement will be made when these details are available."Sanchez, welcoming the brief vacation in a hectic schedule of 11 matches since he took over from Sammy McIlroy in January, is also following up a number of recommendations made to him on players who may be eligible to wear Northern Ireland's green jersey.
That England game is also one players are anxious not to miss but unfortunately it looks as if James Quinn, currently with the Dutch club Willem II, will be a non-starter.
An appeal against his booking in the 2-2 draw against Austria has been made but I understand it was not for a particular offence but persistent fouling.
If that is the case then it would seem Quinn won't be available so Crewe Alexandra's Steve Jones is likely to partner Preston's David Healy in attack.
Lawrie says no to Cyprus as IFA wait on Scotland
By Malcolm Brodie
23 October 2004
NORTHERN Ireland have had to decline an invitation from the Cyprus Football Federation to take part in a mini tournament on the island next February.
As well as the host nation Finland and Latvia are participating.
Now the search is on for a squad to replace the Irish.
David Currie, head of the IFA's International Division, said it would have been difficult to obtain players and the schedule also included two matches in two days making it a non-starter.
Northern Ireland manager, Lawrie Sanchez, not enamoured either by the idea has also opted against using the international free date next month.
Like the Cyprus trip a game then would, no doubt, become a scenario of withdrawals and consequently the theories would serve no useful purpose.
Sanchez is placing the emphasis on the February date when it is hoped to stage a game at Windsor Park - one which will prove attractive to the fans who have given such fantastic support throughout this World Cup qualifying campaign.
Belgium have expressed an interest but the IFA have been working on the possibility of a visit from Scotland.
Currie said: "The Scottish FA are still finalising their programme.
We are waiting to hear from them."
Sanchez, now on vacation in Egypt during his son Jack's mid-term break, is concentrating primarily on the build-up for the next World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford.
Interest in this by Northern Ireland supporters is phenomenal and it's likely they will have perhaps double the number who attended that epic clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
Currie said: "We have been inundated with calls.
Everyone wants to go it seems.
"We don't know yet what ticket allocation we'll get nor the price range.
An announcement will be made when these details are available."Sanchez, welcoming the brief vacation in a hectic schedule of 11 matches since he took over from Sammy McIlroy in January, is also following up a number of recommendations made to him on players who may be eligible to wear Northern Ireland's green jersey.
That England game is also one players are anxious not to miss but unfortunately it looks as if James Quinn, currently with the Dutch club Willem II, will be a non-starter.
An appeal against his booking in the 2-2 draw against Austria has been made but I understand it was not for a particular offence but persistent fouling.
If that is the case then it would seem Quinn won't be available so Crewe Alexandra's Steve Jones is likely to partner Preston's David Healy in attack.