Sanchez gives Taylor vote of confidence for Portugal clash

MAIK TAYLOR has been given a resounding vote of confidence by Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez.

The Birmingham goalkeeper made two high-profile errors against Everton and Newcastle in recent weeks that cost his struggling club dear.

Instead of gaining a least a draw they lost both 1-0 and are currently lying second bottom of the table.

Taylor is expected to take the captain’s armband for Northern Ireland tonight when Portugal are the visitors at Windsor Park in a friendly.

Sanchez has no doubts that Taylor will successfully come through this difficult spell.

“Goalkeepers makes mistakes. It is a fact of life,” said the Northern Ireland boss. “They tend to be highlighted more than centre forwards missing goals or defenders missing tackles.

“Maik has done really well for Northern Ireland. Sometimes coming away from your club and coming into an environment like ours can benefit you. There is a change of scene and a change of players around you and that in itself can be refreshing.”

Motherwell defender Brian McLean, aged 20, looks set to be handed his debut after Michael Duff of Burnley withdrew from the squad because of an ankle problem. On the possibility of the Glasgow-born player being included, Sanchez remarked: “He has every chance.”

However Keith Gillespie is doubtful for the match after turning his ankle in training.

Dean Shiels, aged 20, and Peter Thompson, 21, look likely to be on the bench after being called up for the first time. Aaron Hughes, Damien Johnson, David Healy and Chris Baird are all sidelined through injury and Sanchez knows they will have their work cut out against the Portuguese. However, he is calling on his team to raise their game and put on a show similar to the display in the defeat of England.

In fact, on the eve of the match with Portugal, the Northern Ireland party were attending a reception at Hillsborough to celebrate that famous victory.