Worthington: My players can go to Olympics

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington would be happy for his players to make themselves available for a British team at the 2012 Olympics, despite the Irish Football Association’s opposition to the idea.

The British Olympic Association released a statement saying players from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would be eligible to represent Team GB at the Games, only for the IFA to join with their Scottish and Welsh counterparts in registering their condemnation of such plans.

Worthington, though, appreciates the lure of the Olympics and believes any player who opted to go forward for selection should not be tainted by that decision.

“The players will have their own views on whether they want to be involved in a GB team at the Olympics and whatever their view is should have no impact on their international careers,” Worthington said.

“I can understand players wanting to play in an Olympics and they should not be criticised for that but I also understand the position taken by the Irish FA.

“It is not an issue that I am really involved in as it’s a matter for the associations and they have made their positions clear.

“As an international manager I would have no problem with players wanting to be involved.”

Rangers youngsters Kyle Hutton and Gregg Wylde, meanwhile, have both indicated they would be willing to play for Great Britain.