Rookies must prove their worth, says Sanchez

NORTHERN Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez is calling on his international rookies to prove their worth ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Sanchez has decided to use the friendlies against Estonia a week today and Serbia next month to give fringe players a chance.

He named an 18-man squad yesterday that will travel to Tallinn, including only four of the party which started the game against Norway goalkeeper Maik Taylor, defender Chris Baird as well as strikers David Healy and Andy Smith.

Captain Aaron Hughes, George McCartney, Peter Kennedy, Keith Gillespie, Damien Johnson, Danny Griffin and Michael Hughes are remaining at home.

Defenders Mark Clyde (Wolves) and Tony Capaldi (Plymouth) have been called up for the first time after regular appearances at under-21 level.

Bristol City's industrious midfielder Tommy Doherty has been recalled after missing Sanchez's bow as manager.