Soccer: Whitley fitness concern for McIlroy

Jeff Whitley was due to have a fitness test when he joined up with the Northern Ireland squad today ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

Whitley is doubtful for the game at Windsor Park because a cut in his leg is taking longer than expected to heal.

The Manchester City midfielder needed stitches in the wound, which was suffered in a tackle with Chelsea’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on the final day of the season.

Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy wants to assess Whitley’s injury before ruling him in or out of the game.

‘‘Jeff’s going to be travelling over and we’ll have a look at him and take it from there,’’ said McIlroy. ‘‘I spoke to their doctor and he’s got a bit of a cut on the side of his knee which isn’t healing as quick as they thought.

‘‘That was a week ago and we’ve asked him to come over to see if it’s healed much more since.’’

McIlroy is anxious to have Whitley available as he is already without midfielders Steve Lomas and Jim Magilton for the game.

Whitley felt the absence of the experienced pair had opened the door for him to start against the Bulgarians and he would be desperately disappointed if he could not play.

Whitley, who is also the Under-21 captain, is McIlroy’s only real injury concern and so far Hearts striker Andy Kirk has been the one withdrawal from his squad.