Kennedy hopes boots will give him steady NI return

Peter Kennedy is hoping to put his best foot forward and steer Northern Ireland to victory against Finland in tonight’s friendly at Windsor Park.

The Wigan defender has special inserts in his boots, which give him the balance he needs because of a long-term back problem.

Kennedy is delighted to be back in the squad after missing the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine because of an Achilles tendon injury.

But it is his back which has caused him most problems.

“The way I was standing and running, it just gave in. I was lopsided,” he said.

“I went to see this guy, and he sorted me out. I am meant to put these things in my boots every game.

“Unfortunately three weks ago I forgot to bring them when I was playing for Wigan. I turned out but for a week I was in bits.

“They have helped me the last three or four years, and I hope I will get another three or four years down the line.”

Kennedy is enjoying a good season at Wigan, who look set to win automatic promotion from Division Two.

“We’ve got a bit of a lead. All we must do now is keep our heads down and work hard,” he said.

“At the moment I am just enjoying being back at international level. The squad is a good age, and we’ve got some exciting young players coming through.”

Partick defender Stephen Craigan has been called up for the second time – and he is enjoying the learning experience.

He took time off from his preparations for the game to give a light-hearted comparison between his club manager John Lambie and Irish boss Sammy McIlroy.

“John Lambie is very eccentric, very outspoken – and his methods are in the 50s. He has got his own ideas on the game,” said Craigan.

“I think I have learned more from Sammy in the last 24 hours than I have the past few years with John.

“He gave me the chance of first-team football three years ago – and even though it was the Second Division, I was playing week-in week-out.

“Fortunately the last two years we have been able to climb back, and I hope we can cling on to our Premier League status.”