Make or break for Gillespie, says Sanchez

KEITH GILLESPIE is facing a critical phase in his career, according to Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez.

The 29-year-old winger has struggled to recapture the form that made him such an exciting prospect at Manchester United in the mid-1990s and is on the fringe at Leicester after spells at Blackburn and Newcastle.

Gillespie was originally omitted from the Northern Ireland squad to face Azerbaijan on Saturday.

However, following a spate of withdrawals, he is now set to win his 57th cap in this World Cup qualifier.

Sanchez revealed yesterday he had a heart-to-heart chat with Gillespie.

“Keith is at an age now where he can play the next four or five years at a decent level or if he is not careful he can go the other way and end up at a lower division team. Going to that level is not easy as your career cannot be guaranteed after that.

“I had a chat with him but you can talk to individuals until you are blue in the face. It’s what they want to do with their lives.”

“Keith is 29 and still capable of doing a job but he does need to be playing regular first team football. There is no question of his loyalty to Northern Ireland.”

Sanchez will monitor Jeff Whitley’s fitness ahead of the crucial game. The midfielder is suffering with a tight hamstring. Northern Ireland have notched just a point from two games.

Sanchez said: “It is a must-win game but Azerbaijan will be up for it at home especially as they face England after us.”