Taggart out of Ukraine clash

Leicester defender Gerry Taggart has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad to face Ukraine on Wednesday in a Euro 2004 qualifier.

Taggart is returning to his club for treatment on a hamstring injury picked up in the 3-0 defeat by Spain on Saturday.

With Mark Williams, Peter Kennedy and Danny Griffin already ruled out, manager Sammy McIlroy is short of options at the back.

McIlroy said: “Losing Gerry is a huge blow and to have another withdrawal is unbelievable.”

Southampton’s Chris Baird has been drafted in as cover from the under-21 team.