Sanchez names squad ahead of England game

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez today named his squad ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford.

While James Quinn and Michael Hughes are missing through suspension, Stockport striker Warren Feeney has been recalled for the first time since the end of Sammy McIlroy’s tenure as manager. However, Feeney is likely to find himself on the bench with Hull’s Stuart Elliott partnering Leeds’ David Healy up front.

In a possible five man midfield Damien Johnson, Steve Davis and Jeff Whitley will have to contend with Lampard, Gerrard, Beckham and co. while Tony Capaldi, Keith Gillespie and Chris Baird will have to fight for the two wing back positions.

Defensively it looks like Aaron Hughes will be partnered by Colin Murdock and George McCartney in front of Maik Taylor who is likely to get the nod ahead of Roy Carroll.

All this could change, of course, before Saturday - however no matter what the formation Northern Ireland are going to find it tough going if they are to record their first victory against the English in 25 years.

The Northern Ireland squad is:

Goalkeepers: R Carroll (Manchester United), M Taylor (Birmingham City).

Defenders: M Williams (Rushden and Diamonds), S Craigan (Motherwell), C Murdock (Crewe), A Hughes (Newcastle), M Clyde (Wolves), C Baird (Southampton), T Capaldi (Plymouth), G McCartney (Sunderland).

Midfielders: D Johnson (Birmingham City), J Whitley (Sunderland), T Doherty (Bristol City), C Brunt (Sheffield Wednesday), S Davis (Aston Villa), K Gillespie (Leicester), P Mulryne (Norwich).

Forwards: S Jones (Crewe), S Elliott (Hull), A Smith (Preston), A Kirk (Northampton Town), D Healy (Leeds), W Feeney (Stockport).

(MB/KMcA)