Lillis drafted in by Northern Ireland

Derby reserve-team coach Mark Lillis has been called up to help Northern Ireland’s Euro 2004 qualification bid.

Lillis has been invited to help Sammy McIlroy’s side prepare for back-to-back qualifying games against Armenia and Greece.

McIlroy’s initial offer covered only those two games but Lillis could be retained if he impresses.

Lillis said: “I was with Sammy at Macclesfield where we won the Conference and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It’s good for me, good for the club and I’m itching to get involved.

“This is my first international call-up but my job at Derby comes first.”