North must keep faith with McIlroy

LAWRIE MCMENEMY has launched a staunch defence of Sammy McIlroy, the man who replaced him as Northern Ireland manager.

McIlroy takes his side into the Euro 2004 qualifier against Spain on June 11 without a victory since October 2001 following the defeat by Greece.

McMenemy has nothing but sympathy for his plight. "It doesn't matter who the manager is. Even Alex Ferguson couldn't get better results.