McIlroy has no great expectations

Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy is looking “for a goal and a good performance” against Italy tonight to boost confidence ahead of next week’s Euro 2004 qualifier with Spain.

McIlroy’s side face the Italians in a friendly in Campobasso as they prepare for the visit of Spain next Wednesday.

But already missing Steve Lomas, Keith Gillespie and James Quinn, McIlroy is concerned that many players have not seen playing action in recent weeks.

“Most players have been off for three weeks and you need to get them a good run,” said McIlroy.

“I want them to play for pride and go out and give it a go because there’s nothing else for us, especially in the (qualifying group), we have to go out and play for pride and put on as many good performances as we can.

“Against Italy and Spain is a great opportunity to do this. They’ve been away and it’s just a situation to get on with“.

IFA president Jim Boyce agrees that the timing of the two games does not suit the men from Northern Ireland.

“We personally prefer not the play games in June because most of our players are finished by May 10,” he added.

“But I think it’s a tremendous honour for Northern Ireland to be asked to come and play Italy.

“Obviously we wish we were coming to play the game in happier circumstances because this game was being planned as a benefit game for the many people who lost their lives. I happened to be in Italy that particular night when the terrible earthquake occurred.”

The city of Campobasso is a remote place for a football friendly but it was chosen due to the tragic events of October 31 last year, when devastating earthquakes flattened the region.

Some 50 kilometres away, a school building collapsed and saw over 20 people, most of them children, lose their lives, while others lost much of their property.

Assistant coach Mark Lillis said: “We hopefully can put a few smiles on the people’s faces. All the locals have been great to us and it should be great night.”

Indeed, roughly 2,000 local spectators attended the Irish practice session on Monday evening, giving them an idea of how delighted Campobasso is about the match.

The atmosphere will be less friendly when a sell-out crowd of 22,500 will try to cheer Italy to victory.

Facing a world-class team in front of enthusiastic fans is, according to Lillis, “a great experience for the young players“.

He added: “Sammy wants to give them playing time to improve. A lot of them are going to start the game and that’s good for Ireland.”

McIlroy revealed that international novices Chris Baird and Tommy Doherty will feature in their debuts.

The side will be captained by Aaron Hughes, who had a good season for Newcastle.

The 23-year-old defender is looking forward to the match although he admits to being daunted by the Italians’ strength in depth.

“It’s a warm-up for the Spain game,” he said.

“It’s like the Italians have two teams. They can sort of field 11 players and then put another 11 on.”