Absent friends

Aaron Hughes, Roy Carroll, Tommy Doherty and Danny Griffin have all ruled themselves out of Saturday’s match against Germany. Carroll, one of a number of NI players looking for a new club, has been by Sanchez that his next move is ‘crucially important’:
“I’m sure he’ll get another Premiership club for he’s a top keeper but he needs to join a club where he’ll be playing week in and week out.
“He desperately needs to feel he’s the number one and I’m sure that will be the case. Whatever happens he needs to make the most of the move.”

Speaking about the match, LS argued against those claiming it was a waste of time:
“This is an international date and the IFA have agreed this match with Germany.
“I know some people would argue that it’s a waste of time having a friendly at the end of a tough season and it would be better to let the players rest. But this time last year we took a squad on a Carribean Tour and I felt it was benificial as it improved team bonding, was a great experience and we were also able to try out different tactics.
“So I’m looking forward to the game against Germany and I’m sure my players will enjoy playing against such quality opposition.
“We have World Cup qualifying games coming up in September and so places are up for grabs.
“Of course you are always going to have pull-outs for a game like this. Every team will. You just have to look at the squad Sven Goran Eriksson took to the United States for the England tour and how many players pulled-out for one reason or another.
“For Saturday’s game, I suppose one player’s misfortune could be another’s gain – for I will be taking into account the performances against Germany and it’s an opportunity for certain players to push their way into my thoughts. They must show me what they can do against top international opposition.
“If they do that then they will be involved in the World Cup qualifying match against Azerbaijan in September. That is a game we really want to win.
“Against the Germans I would like us to put on a display we can be proud off and make sure we don’t look back and regret either the performance or result.
“I haven’t seen the German squad yet but I’ve been told Jurgen Klinsman wants to bring his strongest squad possible to Belfast.”

Play-Off victory for Quinn and Brunt

Chris Brunt, and James Quinn if he signs a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday, will be playing Championship football next season after the Owls beat Hartlepool 4-2 in the League One play-off final. Wednesday were trailing 2-1, but equalised through an 82nd minute penalty before scoring 2 more without reply in extra time. Both Quinn and Brunt started the match, and Brunt came close with a 30 yard free kick. Speaking before the match however Lawrie Sanchez warned that regular football will not guarantee Young Brunt’s automatic inclusion in the Northern Ireland setup:
“Chris Brunt is definitely one for the future and he along with McAuley are on standby for the squad.
“At the moment Chris will just have to wait for his chance. We have numerous players who can play on the left including – George McCartney, Tony Capaldi and Stuart Elliott – so he will just have to be patient. But his time will come as long as he keeps on improving.
“I’ve already included him in a few squads, I’m very aware of his talents. Just because a player has suddenly started to get first team football doesn’t automatically mean they will be included in an international squad.
“I think a few players, mostly those players who perform in the lower leagues, assume they deserve a place in my squad because they are playing first team football – well that’s not the way it works.”

Big disappointment for Big G

No joy this week for the ex-Coleraine man
Lincoln City, with Northern Ireland pair Gareth McAuley and Paul Morgan in defence, lost in the League Two play-off final today at the Millennium Stadium. McAuley nearly scored his 3rd goal in 3 games in the first half, but he had his header cleared off the line. The tie remained goalless after 90 minutes, but Southend scored twice in extra time and it finished 2-0.

A few words from Michael

“I have made my mind up now, there isn’t anything in particular that made the decision and that’s it for me”
“I could have had a last hurrah against Germany but I don’t really fancy getting into that sort of thing,” said Hughes.
“I played over 70 games; I am disappointed that we never qualified for anything, but there is no point in me playing an international game like it is a testimonial.
“I’ve had a good international career and now it is time for me to hand over to the younger lads who are more than capable of doing a good job for Northern Ireland.”
And even fewer words from Gareth McAuley, about NI speculation:
“It’s flattering to be linked with the Ireland set-up but that is something that does not concern me at this moment,” he said.
“All I am focused on doing is achieving promotion for Lincoln City”
Although I’m sure those aren’t even all his words as its only English people who still think we’re called Ireland.

Carroll released!

After the shock reports a few days ago that Roy Carroll was about to sign a new contract with Manchester United, they’ve went and released him, bringing an end to the chant “Our number 2 is United’s number 1”. Royston made 70 appearances for United, and made his final appearance for them in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Sadly however he is pure dodgy for both club and country as was reinforced when he was granted a rare start by Lawrie Sanchez against Austria in the current qualifying campagin.
United also released fellow keeper Ricardo, leaving yank Tim Howard their only senior keeper. Heard something on the radio earlier linking him with Liverpool, but I’m sure that’s the last thing the European Champions would want if they manage to get rid of Dudek. His agent, who consumes vast amounts of Sunny Delight, is always linking Carroll to some foreign team. Of course, Carroll could have signed a new contract a while back, but wanted assurances that he would stay number 1.

Carroll released!

After the shock reports a few days ago that Roy Carroll was about to sign a new contract with Manchester United, they’ve went and released him, bringing an end to the chant “Our number 2 is United’s number 1”. Royston made 70 appearances for United, and made his final appearance for them in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Sadly however he is pure dodgy for both club and country as was reinforced when he was granted a rare start by Lawrie Sanchez against Austria in the current qualifying campagin.
United also released fellow keeper Ricardo, leaving yank Tim Howard their only senior keeper. Heard something on the radio earlier linking him with Liverpool, but I’m sure that’s the last thing the European Champions would want if they manage to get rid of Dudek. His agent, who consumes vast amounts of Sunny Delight, is always linking Carroll to some foreign team. Of course, Carroll could have signed a new contract a while back, but wanted assurances that he would stay number 1.

Ivan’s Hibs career so far “One long highlight”

In another interview with the Edinburgh Evening News, Ivan Sproule has described his first few months at Easter Road as one long highlight. A few highlights below, but the whole thing is well worth reading:
On the final day of the season: Having tweaked a hamstring, the flying winger was forced to limp out of the action on the final day of the season early, but as he hobbled round to the tunnel he was astounded by the reaction of the supporters. As a lump rose in his throat the star from Northern Ireland could only acknowledge their applause and mouth the word “sorry” to them. But now Sproule will have plenty of time to make up for his disappointment, having agreed an extension to his contract which will see him stay at Easter Road until the summer of 2008.
On his new contract: “Having the contract extended gives me greater security and it is a great weight off my shoulders knowing that I can go into next season without having the worry of what might happen at the end of it. Now I can look forward not only to next season, but the next one and the one after that, I’m absolutely delighted.”
On professional football: “”As a professional you are under pressure to perform every week and while I do feel I’ve made something of an impact, my target is to get myself into the team and that’s something Tony and Mark know is my aim. It’s been a massive upheaval in my life but I’ve settled in well and, I think, I’ve shown I can play in what is a higher standard of football than I was playing back home.” ”
On next season and the end of this one: “I’ll be back with a full pre-season under my belt, I’ll be a lot stronger and hopefully we’ll begin to see the best of me next season.
“To be honest, the past few months have been one long highlight, the first being to come over here and sign for a club like Hibs.
“I’ve played in a Scottish Cup semi-final, I’ve scored against Celtic at Parkhead, a goal which will stay with me for the rest of my life as it was my first as a professional, and I’ve helped Hibs get into Europe.

Ivan’s Hibs career so far “One long highlight”

In another interview with the Edinburgh Evening News, Ivan Sproule has described his first few months at Easter Road as one long highlight. A few highlights below, but the whole thing is well worth reading:
On the final day of the season: Having tweaked a hamstring, the flying winger was forced to limp out of the action on the final day of the season early, but as he hobbled round to the tunnel he was astounded by the reaction of the supporters. As a lump rose in his throat the star from Northern Ireland could only acknowledge their applause and mouth the word “sorry” to them. But now Sproule will have plenty of time to make up for his disappointment, having agreed an extension to his contract which will see him stay at Easter Road until the summer of 2008.
On his new contract: “Having the contract extended gives me greater security and it is a great weight off my shoulders knowing that I can go into next season without having the worry of what might happen at the end of it. Now I can look forward not only to next season, but the next one and the one after that, I’m absolutely delighted.”
On professional football: “”As a professional you are under pressure to perform every week and while I do feel I’ve made something of an impact, my target is to get myself into the team and that’s something Tony and Mark know is my aim. It’s been a massive upheaval in my life but I’ve settled in well and, I think, I’ve shown I can play in what is a higher standard of football than I was playing back home.” ”
On next season and the end of this one: “I’ll be back with a full pre-season under my belt, I’ll be a lot stronger and hopefully we’ll begin to see the best of me next season.
“To be honest, the past few months have been one long highlight, the first being to come over here and sign for a club like Hibs.
“I’ve played in a Scottish Cup semi-final, I’ve scored against Celtic at Parkhead, a goal which will stay with me for the rest of my life as it was my first as a professional, and I’ve helped Hibs get into Europe.

Michael Hughes retires

The BBC are reporting that Michael Hughes is set to confirm his retirement from international football.
A great servant to his country, Hughes was out of the game for a long time due to a dispute between Wimbledon and Birmingham. He has served a 3-game suspension for getting sent off against Wales, but Lawrie Sanchez had recently told him that he was no longer part of his plans for the starting XI.
He made 69 appearances for Norn Iron, scoring 6 goals. Career stats
Hughes’ career as covered by AWS

IFA praised by UEFA

For the stand against racism and sectarianism:
http://www.uefa.com/uefa/news/Kind=8/newsId=304288.html