17/08/2004
Hughes withdraws from NI squad
Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Hughes has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad ahead of tomorrow night's friendly against Switzerland in Zurich.
Hughes aggravated a groin injury during training in Zurich on Monday and has returned to Crystal Palace for treatment.
While manager Lawrie Sanchez has named no replacement for Hughes, the former Wycombe boss has called up Burnley's Michael Duff in place of Wolves' Mark Clyde who has also had to withdraw because of injury.
Commenting on tomorrow's game, Northern Ireland's last before the beginning of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers next month, Sanchez said there was new buoyancy about his team.
"Everybody is excited about the campaign. Six months ago when I took over people were looking at it with a bit of apprehension," Sanchez said.
"Hopefully now there's a little bit more purpose about it and the results over the last six months have gone as well, if not better, than I could have hoped for, but how far we have come we will see tomorrow."
Meanwhile, ahead of next month's opening home game against Poland, the Irish Football Association (IFA), with the support of the Amalgamation of Official NI Supporters Clubs, has called on supporters to make Windsor Park a 'sea of green' similar to the famous Dutch support which is known for its 'sea of orange'.
In a campaign aimed at building on the blossoming family atmosphere at Windsor Park, supporters are asked to wear the new Northern Ireland football shirt and a green wig with painted green face for the Poland game which kicks off the new campaign on September 4.
(MB)
Hughes aggravated a groin injury during training in Zurich on Monday and has returned to Crystal Palace for treatment.
While manager Lawrie Sanchez has named no replacement for Hughes, the former Wycombe boss has called up Burnley's Michael Duff in place of Wolves' Mark Clyde who has also had to withdraw because of injury.
Commenting on tomorrow's game, Northern Ireland's last before the beginning of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers next month, Sanchez said there was new buoyancy about his team.
"Everybody is excited about the campaign. Six months ago when I took over people were looking at it with a bit of apprehension," Sanchez said.
"Hopefully now there's a little bit more purpose about it and the results over the last six months have gone as well, if not better, than I could have hoped for, but how far we have come we will see tomorrow."
Meanwhile, ahead of next month's opening home game against Poland, the Irish Football Association (IFA), with the support of the Amalgamation of Official NI Supporters Clubs, has called on supporters to make Windsor Park a 'sea of green' similar to the famous Dutch support which is known for its 'sea of orange'.
In a campaign aimed at building on the blossoming family atmosphere at Windsor Park, supporters are asked to wear the new Northern Ireland football shirt and a green wig with painted green face for the Poland game which kicks off the new campaign on September 4.
(MB)
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18 February 2004
NI fans look goalward under Sanchez management
Northern Ireland look set to start with two strikers tonight ahead of their friendly with Norway at Windsor Park. The ploy is designed to help Lawrie Sanchez' team score for the first time in over 1,200 minutes of football, a European record. Glentoran striker, Andy Smith is likely to gain his sixth cap by partnering Preston's David Healy up front.
NI fans look goalward under Sanchez management
Northern Ireland look set to start with two strikers tonight ahead of their friendly with Norway at Windsor Park. The ploy is designed to help Lawrie Sanchez' team score for the first time in over 1,200 minutes of football, a European record. Glentoran striker, Andy Smith is likely to gain his sixth cap by partnering Preston's David Healy up front.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.