North receive Gillespie boost ahead of crucial Iceland clash

KEITH GILLESPIE has declared himself fit and willing to revive Northern Ireland’s bid to reach Euro 2008.

The Sheffield United winger returned to training yesterday after a knee problem, as did record goalscorer David Healy and Jonny Evans.

Healy and Evans suffered minor injuries – like Gillespie – to calf and ankle in the defeat by Latvia.

Now the trio are on the mend and ready to face Iceland tonight when victory would take the province to the top of qualifying Group F.

Gillespie said: “I took a bang on the knee but now everything is fine. I sat out training as a precaution, more than anything else.”

Set to win his 78th cap, Gillespie cannot wait to put matters right after the shock setback in Riga.

The only consolation was that Sweden and Spain both had to settle for draws against Iceland and Denmark.

Gillespie admitted: “We got out of jail and are still in there. When you look at the other results they were not too bad.

“Having a game so soon after Saturday gives us a chance to put things right.

“Our problem over the years is that we have done well against the major nations but struggled to overcome some of the so-called smaller teams.”

The squad and the coaching staff led by manager Nigel Worthington held an inquest into the Latvia defeat and Gillespie said: “There was constructive criticism.

“It is up to him (Worthington) to tell us if we are not playing well but we are all pulling in the same direction.”

Northern Ireland suffered a 3-0 defeat to Iceland in their first game of the qualifying campaign and Gillespie knows they can ill afford a repeat of that performance.

“They are a strong, physical side and have been able to get some good results,” he said.

“However, Iceland have also been inconsistent so it is a bit difficult to tell what team is going to turn up.

“Certainly we have got to be better than we were against Latvia. We know three points are vital.”

Meanwhile Worthington has paid tribute to striker James Quinn, who is about to retire from football.

Quinn, 32, is in negotiations with Northampton about terminating his contract at the club.

He won 50 caps for the province and Worthington said: “That is a great achievement and a landmark.

“He has always been there for his country. We thank him very much for his service and wish him well in the future.”