McIlroy feels time is right

EURO 2004 QUALIFIER/Group Six - Northern Ireland v Spain: The name of David Beckham did its best to dominate the agenda here yesterday on the eve of Northern Ireland's European qualifier against Spain, with three of the visiting players - Carlos Puyol of Barcelona, Michel Salgado of Real Madrid and Santiago Canizares of Valencia - each being asked his opinion of the Englishman's possible move.

All were dismissive of the questions, not one of which was asked by a Spanish journalist.

Puyol was particularly blunt in his refusal to even countenance the issue but Salgado, who speaks English - "My sister-in-law is from York, you know" - was prepared to mouth a platitude about how every good footballer would want to play for Real Madrid.

Of rather more relevance to tonight's Group Six match, Salgado also used the phrase "psychologically tired" in Spanish to help explain their shock 1-0 defeat by Greece in Zaragoza last Saturday.

That will give Northern Ireland hope that they can crown their 500th international at least with a goal, if not with a win.

Sammy McIlroy's side are into their 16th month without scoring, the last goal coming from Steve Lomas against Poland in a friendly lost 4-1. Nine games and 882 minutes have elapsed since then, the latest goalless performance being in Italy eight days ago.

But McIlroy is prepared to take optimism even from symbolism. Part of arguably Northern Ireland's greatest result, the 1-0 defeat of Spain in Valencia in the 1982 World Cup, when Spain were the hosts, McIlroy said: "The fact that it is a landmark occasion will add to the occasion.

"We will need cunning as well as commitment but the lads showed (in the 2-0 defeat) against Italy that they can play good football against world-class sides.

"Ideally we are looking to give Spain a real test and also score. It would be such a lift for the lads and the fans."

Maik Taylor, the Irish goalkeeper, said: "We have hit the woodwork on numerous occasions and the boys are very competent in training, but we would take any goal right now."

Spain have no more margin for error after that shock defeat by Greece, although they remain top of Group Six with three games left to play.

They are now just a point clear of Ukraine and Greece and a further slip-up would leave them in danger of missing out on a place in the finals in Portugal next year.

"The defeat by Greece should serve as a warning shot," coach Inaki Saez said yesterday.

Spain will still be without midfielder Xabi Alonso and forward Guti but the good news for Saez is the return from suspension of busy midfielder Ruben Baraja, who should slot straight back in in place of Valencia team mate Carlos Marchena.