Soccer: Prague five to keep squad places

The international futures of the five members of the Northern Ireland squad who were arrested in Prague after a row over a nightclub drinks bill will not be affected, according to manager Sammy McIlroy.

"They were innocent and there is no question of anything being held against them," he said.

Captain Michael Hughes and goalkeeping coach Tommy Wright were among the five arrested after a doorman was struck and needed stitches for an eye injury.

Preston's David Healy, Peter Kennedy, formerly of Watford, and Linfield part-timer Glen Ferguson were also detained. The five were released without charge.

They had been held for more than 10 hours while the rest of the squad returned home following Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying defeat by the Czech Republic on Wednesday night.

Irish Football Association chiefs may consider hiring charter planes for future away games, which would mean the players could return home immediately after

matches.

But McIlroy, who is to discuss the Prague incident with IFA general secretary David Bowen, said costs could be prohibitive.

As the five players left Prague today, he said: "Obviously we will have to make sure something like this does not happen again. Football is difficult enough without having to deal with police as well.

"Chartering planes costs a lot of money. It would be great if it could happen, but at the end of the day, it is down to finance."

Northern Ireland's next game is against Denmark, and will be played in Copenhagen in September.

McIlroy added: "These players have just finished a long, tough season and I don't mind them having a drink. We have our rules and regulations. They are a great bunch and I trust them completely. But we have to ensure this doesn't happen again."