Worthers Names Squad
Fri, March 13th 2009
Nigel Worthington has named his squad for the forthcoming qualifiers against Poland and Slovenia.
The most significant inclusion is striker Jamie Ward of Sheffield United. Ward, a Brummy, qualifies to play through his grandfather and was a prolific goal-scorer whilst at Chesterfield.
The door remains close on Keith Gillespie and Derby County's Roy Carroll. Gillespie has struggled to get any games, and although working at Bradford City, is starved of match fitness. Worthington has, however, not ruled out Gillespie making an appearance in the future.
"Young Jamie's in," said Worthington. "He moved to Sheffield United just over a month ago. He has been on the bench recently and got half an hour last weekend.
"I spoke to staff at he club and he's been doing very nicely so with Kyle (Lafferty) suspended for the first game I wanted to have four strikers in the group.
"Jamie will now have the experience of being with the group and senior set-up. He was at Chesterfield before and scored a wealth of goals there."
"Roy is on the bench every week with Derby County but I am keeping faith with the three goalkeepers that have journeyed all over Europe the last year," added Worthington. "That will remain until something changes there.
"I will monitor Keith's fitness and development at Bradford over the next few weeks. I don't think beggars can be choosers if that is the right statement - Keith needs to play football.
"His last competitive outing was on December 20 for Charlton against Norwich and he got eight minutes in that game. When the games come around it is almost three months since he has kicked a ball in anger, which is a long, long time for a professional footballer. You can train all you want but you need to be playing games.
"He is a great lad and footballer and the door is open - he is not left out on a permanent basis. I have a high regard for Keith as a player and individual.
"He Even the staunchest Keith Gillespie supporter will note that it's a long time since he was involved in competitive action. "
Northern Ireland face Poland on Saturday, March 28 and Slovenia four days later.
Northern Ireland Squad (v Poland)
Goalkeepers: Taylor (Birmingham City), Mannus (Linfield), Tuffey (Partick Thistle); Defenders: Craigan (Motherwell), Hughes (Fulham), McAuley (Ipswich Town), McGivern (Manchester City), Baird (Fulham), Evans (Manchester United); Midfielders: McCann (Scunthorpe United), Brunt (West Brom), McGinn (Celtic), Clingan (Norwich City), Johnson (Birmingham City), McCourt (Celtic), Shiels (Doncaster Rovers); Strikers: Healy (Sunderland), Feeney (Dundee United on loan), Paterson (Burnley), Ward (Sheffield United); Added for game v Slovenia: McCartney (Sunderland), Lafferty (Rangers), Davis (Rangers).
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