Armagh footballer Kieran McGeeney said today that that last week's joint announcement by the GAA and GPA in relation to player grants is not a step towards professionalism.

Neil Lennon and Ian Nolan have become the latest players to pull out of the Northern Ireland squad for next Wednesday’s friendly against Liechtenstein.

Tottenham’s Ciaran Toner, Bristol Rovers’ Lewis Hogg and Gary Browne of Manchester City have all withdrawn because of injuries from the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Germany at Windsor Park.