Soccer: McIlroy angered by 'shocking facilities'

Sammy McIlroy has criticised the Bulgarian FA over the poor facilities they have provided for Northern Ireland in Sofia.

McIlroy is unhappy that his preparations for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier have been hampered by a sub-standard training pitch.

The team was less than impressed when the Bulgarians switched their training venue at the last moment.

Instead of using the Levski stadium, the Northern Ireland team was bussed out to CSKA Sofia's dilapidated training ground for two sessions.

The ground was so hard and uneven that McIlroy was reluctant to do too much work on the pitch for fear of his players picking up any injuries.

When the team complained to their hosts, they were told that the Levski stadium was unavailable because it was under renovation and that CSKA's facilities were the best alternative.

"The training pitch was very poor. It was like a cobbled strip it was that bad," said the Northern Ireland manager.

"It was bare, hard and uneven and we were not happy with it. We had words last night and the Bulgarians just said this was all they had for us.

"We didn't kick up a fuss or anything because there's no point and we don't want to make it look like we're rattled or worried.

"I was annoyed because this is the second successive away trip that this kind of thing has happened.

"In Iceland they gave us something that was like a park pitch and there were ducks and geese running over it.

"But when these teams come to us we look after them very well and we treat them like royalty.

"But on these last two away trips the facilities have been shocking. We will just get on with it and we don't want to make it look like we're making excuses.

"It's done with now and our final session was in the stadium and that was fine."

McIlroy's fears about the training pitch were nearly realised when Neil Lennon tweaked his ankle this morning, while he dared not risk Michael Hughes on the bumpy surface.

Both will be fit for the Group Three game in the Balgarska Armia stadium in addition to Jim Magilton, who has finally overcome his hamstring injury.

McIlroy's only injury doubt is Aaron Hughes and the Newcastle defender looks likely to miss out with his calf injury.