Irish hit by kit confusion

Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy had to cancel this morning’s training session in Valencia – as his players had nothing to wear.

The squad arrived in Spain after a four-and-a-half hour delay, only for their kit to go missing.

It has since been located and McIlroy is hoping to conduct a workout later today at a local venue.

Irish FA spokesman John Quinn said: “The one consolation is that the players will be able to get a bit more rest.”

The party arrived at their base at 1.30am overnight after a delay caused by bad weather in Barcelona.

The Irish are due to face Spain in Albacete on Saturday and McIlroy’s preparations are hardly going to plan. He is without three defenders for their opening qualifying match with Dundee United defender Danny Griffin ruled out with a back injury.

Mark Williams of Wimbledon and Peter Kennedy of Wigan have already been sidelined.

Shaun Holmes of Wrexham is due to join the squad today, although Griffin hopes he might be fit for the game against Ukraine next Wednesday.

McIlroy said: “Even though it is only three out which is the best I’ve ever had, it is three defenders which is a bit of a blow. But we will just have to get on with it.”