INTERNATIONALS:NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington is using the personal touch to stress to his squad the importance of all international matches.
And his policy is paying off with a full complement of 21 players turning up for tomorrow’s friendly against Israel at Windsor Park.
With World Cup qualifiers with Poland and Slovakia next month, Worthington sent a letter to each squad member outlining the importance of the warm-up game.
The result was not a single withdrawal, leaving the former Norwich boss ecstatic.
“I named 21 players in the squad and 21 turned up fresh and ready to go. I’m absolutely delighted with that,” he said.
“After a three-month break, to come together three weeks ahead of two crucial games is very important. It’s about getting refocused on international football.”
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, Coventry midfielder Sammy Clingan and Ipswich full back Gareth McAuley have all linked up with the squad.
Worthington praised the clubs for releasing players. “The managers and clubs have been first-class with us and it’s a two-way thing.”
Northern Ireland’s last friendly ended in defeat by Italy in June when Worthington named a young and inexperienced side.
But he has all his senior players available to face Israel, including record scorer David Healy, who is set to win his 75th cap.
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