Ingham in pole position to replace Maik

Brian Carey, Ingham’s first team coach at Wrexham and former ROI player:

“Michael won over a lot of people with his performances last season and it’s easy to see that he has the makings of a ‘keeper who can do well in the game at club and international level.”
“It’s possible he spent too long in the background at Sunderland because there are areas in his game that can obviously only develop with consistent appearances with any first team. He got thrown into the deep end when he came to Wrexham and he didn’t disappoint.”
“Northern Ireland has never really had troubles finding great goalkeepers. From Harry Gregg to Pat Jennings and now Maik Taylor, it has always been a strong position. I don’t know if Michael has a hero in the game but if he’s looking for one he only needs to think of who played in goal for Northern Ireland before him. He couldn’t have a better bunch of role models. I would encourage him to aspire to be like Jennings, a true professional in every sense. If Michael sets himself a target and really wants it bad enough, he will get there. He should tell himself that the European Championships is the next target and give everything he’s got to achieve that.”
However, Ingham has other worries: “There’s a battle on to see which Michael fits the bill for first-team ‘keeper next season. Young Michael Jones is a superb talent and he is giving Ingham a lot of competition. That can only be good for both of them.”

UEFA U21 Championship

Northern Ireland face Romania on Wed 16th August (away) at 6pm and Germany on Fri 1st September at Mourneview Park, Lurgan at 7:30pm. The top two in each of the 14 groups of three will qualify. This is the thing we qualified for by stuffing Liechenstein over 2 legs a few months ago.
Full Fixtures

The first 06/07 Saturday Round Up

SPL: Hibernian 1 – 1 Aberdeen: Dean Shiels (31 mins)

Young Evans

17 year old defender Jonny Evans scored the opener for Man Utd in their 3-0 pre-season win over Celtic t’other day. Evans was making only his second start for the first team, having kept his place alongside Wes Brown following United’s final tour match in South Africa.
Evans is going to be spending this season on loan to play in the Belgian Second Division for United feeder-club Royal Antwerp. He told MUTV:
“I am looking forward to playing competitive football in a different culture – it will be an experience being involved in Belgium.
And on the Celtic match: “Wes has been one of my idols the last two years and I really look up to him. To be alongside him and see the way he plays was great for me. It was also a pleasure to be on the same pitch as Paul as he has been one of the best players ever.”
SAF says he wouldn’t be surprised if Evans makes his NI debut this year.

Hughes – Davis can captain Villa & Norn Iron

“Davo is young but he has got a lot of ability and basically he can be whatever he wants to be and do whatever he wants to do depending on how he feels and what he wants.

“A lot of people say someone has to scream and yell to be a captain. Those days are gone a little bit. It’s about example, what you do on the pitch, how you conduct yourself off the pitch and in training. There are a lot of things that go into the mix now for something like being a captain and certainly Davo on the pitch leads by example, conducts himself well off it and in training he gives everything.
“In a few years’ time he could easily captain Northern Ireland and Villa. He is the sort of captain who would lead by example.”

Ivan Interview

The Scotsman

Quinn given free transfer!

From the Peterborough United website:

“Peterborough United have transfer listed striker James Quinn and the Northern Ireland international is available on a free-transfer.
Coca-Cola League One side Brentford have already expressed an interest in the front man who scored seven goals in his first season at London Road last term.
Quinn spent a loan period at Bristol City last term and was linked with a permanent move to Ashton Gate”

Johnson named Birmingham captain

Northern Ireland stalwart Damien Johnson has been named as Birmingham’s new captain, following the departure of former captain Kenny Cunningham. Steve Bruce:

“Damien was shocked, but honoured. I thought, maybe, because of the way he is – a quiet type – he might decline. But he didn’t. He’s accepted the responsibility of it.
“He’s a fantastic pro and if they were all like Jonty, then a manager’s job would be easy. He conducts himself magnificently. He leads from the front. Anything you ask him to do is not a problem and managing him for the last four-and-a-half years, he has been a terrific servant to the club. He may not be the most vociferous, but he leads by example. Every day in training, the way he plays in matches, he’s magnificent. I’m sure he will be a very, very good captain for us.”
– In other news, new World Champions Italy are still set to play the Champions of Britain in a friendly match. Today’s News Letter:
‘Boyce, who was in Berlin last week, held talks with Sergio Di Cesare, who runs Italian affairs, including fixtures. “I met him several times during the World Cup and he confirmed they will definitely be coming as soon as a date can be found. They, of course, promised to come long before the World Cup and will keep their pledge,” added Boyce, who has also brought France, Portugal and Germany to Windsor Park in recent times.’

Morrow could be back 2 months early

Hibs striker Sammy Morrow, currently out injured with a torn cruciate ligament, is now hoping to be back in action in Sept/Oct rather than Nov/Dec as was earlier thought. Morrow’s return would be a boost to Hibs following the losses of Garry O’Connor to Lokomotiv Moscow and Derek Riordan to Celtic. Morrow said:
“Things are going well and I’m very happy with everything. All the medical staff have been really pleased with how it’s gone,” said Morrow.
“I see the surgeon on July 18 and going by what’s been said I should be able to start running again after that. I’m looking to hopefully get back playing again in either September or October.”
While Morrow is optimistic about the future, the 21-year-old conceded that the immediate aftermath of the injury and operation were the darkest days of his fledgling career.
“The hardest point was the first week and a half after the operation as it was difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. I kept looking down at my knee – which was frankly broken – and I wasn’t seeing any kind of improvement. Now, though, I can see light and, as the weeks go by, I’m beginning to think about coming back and playing. I just want to get out there and try and help the boys do something for the club.”