Mannus puts Hoops first in North row

CLUB versus country disputes are rare in the domestic game but Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Alan Mannus currently finds himself at the heart of one such situation.

His club yesterday contacted the Irish Football Association in Belfast to confirm that he will not now travel with the Northern Ireland squad for international friendlies at the end of this month against Turkey in Connecticut and against the Chilean national side in Chile.

After discussions between Mannus, Hoops boss Michael O’Neill and Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington, the keeper has decided not to take up his place in the squad and instead will be available for the Airticity League clash with Bohemians on May 29 and the EA Sports Cup quarter-final against Derry on June 1.