McIlroy will try prevent Lennon retiring

Sammy McIlroy is to pull out all the stops in an attempt to prevent Neil Lennon calling time on his international career.

The 31-year-old Celtic midfielder withdrew from the team - and his role as captain - after receiving a death threat in the hours leading up to last night’s 0-0 draw with Cyprus.

Lennon is expected back in Glasgow today after spending the night at his parents’ home in Lurgan.

It is widely expected that he will now quit the Irish scene but McIlroy is not giving up hope that he can persuade him to continue.

The Irish boss said: "We will do our utmost to get Neil back. I need all the experienced players I can get.

"But obviously it is up to Neil. This is not the first time he has been under scrutiny like this.

"The boy is very sad, I am very sad. He was looking forward to playing. It was great to have him back after a knee operation.

"The players were all devastated but the response they gave me was brilliant under difficult circumstances."