25/03/2005

Injury forces McCartney out of NI squad

Sunderland defender George McCartney has been forced out of Northern Ireland’s squad ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against England.

McCartney, who was a certain starter for the game at Old Trafford, has been suffering with a groin injury. He has been unable to take part in training since the team arrived at their Cheshire base earlier this week.

"I am bitterly disappointed to be missing the game but the injury is not getting any better. Only rest can help," he said.

He is now heading back to his club in the north-east and will also miss next Wednesday’s away tie against Poland.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jeff Whitley has said his team-mates need to start chipping in with more goals to take the pressure of leading goalscorer David Healy.

The Sunderland player said he was looking to follow up the goal he scored against Wales in last year’s World Cup qualifier at the Millennium Stadium with another against England.

"We rely on David Healy to get most of the goals but we all need to start chipping in," said Whitley.

Both Whitley and Healy will start Saturday’s game which kicks off at 3pm.

(MB/SP)

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