01/04/2003

IFA President questions loyalty of certain NI players

The President of the Irish Football Association (IFA), Jim Boyce has questioned the loyalty of certain Northern Ireland players following a recent spate of withdrawals from the international side.

Mr Boyce made the statement after several players either withdrew from last Saturday's game in Armenia, or announced their retirement from international football.

Jim Magilton, Neil Lennon and most recently Kevin Horlock have all recently announced their retirement for differing reasons.

However it is the squad withdrawals and cry-offs before matches that have angered the IFA president and a large section of the Northern Ireland supporters.

Mr Boyce's outburst cames on the day before Northern Ireland play Greece in the important Euro 2004 qualifier at Windsor Park.

(MB)

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