15/10/2002

Taggart ruled out of NI squad for Ukraine clash

Leicester City defender, Gerry Taggart has been ruled out of the Northern Ireland squad for Wednesday's Euro 2004 fixture against Ukraine at Windsor Park, Belfast.

Taggart picked up a hamstring injury during Saturday's 3-0 defeat at the hands of Spain in Albecete and will return immediately to his club for treatment.

Southampton's Chris Baird has received his first call up from the squad from the under-21s.

Aaron Hughes will be the likely candidate to slot into Taggart's centre back position, with Steve Lomas taking over at right back.

This is just the latest blow for manager Sammy McIlroy who was forced to watch Saturday's game from the stand having been banned from the touchline for one game following an incident earlier in the year against Malta.

McIlroy was criticised in some quarters for dropping striker David Healy for the game in Spain. However, Healy is likely to regain his place up front with Northern Ireland failing to score in their last three games.

Ukraine also have injury worries of their own with six players so far ruled out.

Happily for Sammy McIlroy AC Milan's top striker Andriy Shevchenko is included in that list.

Tomorrow night's game kicks off at 8pm with live coverage on BBC1 NI and Radio Ulster.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 February 2022
New Game Of Thrones Studio Tour 'Game-Changing Tourist Attraction'
A new Game of Thrones Studio Tour has been described as a "game-changing tourist attraction" by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The Minister visited the television show attraction at Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge during a global media preview event, ahead of the tour opening to the public later this week.
24 June 2008
Million Pound Jobs Boost In Bangor Computer Game Software
A Bangor-based company's investment of over £1m - along with Invest NI cash of £75,000 - is to create a total investment of £1,154,926, and promote 14 new jobs. GAMETHEWORLD is investing £1.
10 September 2003
Kennedy out of Armenia game
Sammy McIlroy will be without defender Peter Kennedy for tonight's visit of Armenia to Windsor Park after the Wigan full-back came down with a stomach bug. Kennedy is likely to be replaced by up and coming star Grant McCann of Cheltenham. McCann should know all about the Armenian's having played in 1-0 defeat away in Yerevan in March.
17 October 2002
Ukraine hold NI to draw at Windsor
Northern Ireland failed to score for their fifth successive match last night after being held to a 0-0 draw by Ukraine at Windsor Park. In what was a lively game, Sammy McIlroy's side gave a good account of themselves following Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Spain.
13 August 2024
Exploring The Most Popular Casino Games
For a very long time casino gaming has been a significant part of Britain's entertainment culture. It can be spotted from the grandiose ballrooms of London to the stay-up casinos of Northern Ireland, that gambling remains a favoured sport in the United Kingdom.