McIlroy banks on Hughes' experience

Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy is banking on the experience of Michael Hughes to give his young side a lift.

The Crystal Palace midfielder is expected to win his 66th cap in the Euro 2004 qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday.

Hughes signed a year-long deal in the summer after a season out of club football because of a contractual dispute involving Wimbledon and Birmingham, and McIlroy is thrilled the player is up and running again.

“Michael is a fantastic little footballer on his day and it is great to have him back,” said the Northern Ireland boss.

“He has been through a torrid time but he is right now both mentally and physically and in great condition.

“As this is basically a young squad we have missed having him around.”

McIlroy is leading an 18-man party on a five-hour flight later today to the industrial city of Donetsk.

Norwich midfielder Phil Mulryne is included in the group even though he has been struggling with a back injury.

McIlroy said: “Phil has played only 60 minutes for his club this season. He is not 100 per cent fit yet but it is good to have him here.”

McIlroy, who recently signed a new two-year deal, cannot wait to get going again after a three-month break.

Northern Ireland may have gone 972 minutes without scoring but they restored a lot of pride with a battling draw against Spain in June.

According to McIlroy that result has led to a surge of optimism in the camp.

“You always get plenty of enthusiasm with young lads but they have taken a lot of confidence out of that last game,” he said.

“I am more excited at the moment than I have been for a long time. I know there is still a long way to go and I am not saying we are about to turn the corner.

“However I do believe this group can go from strength to strength.”

McIlroy will be without goalkeeper Roy Carroll and defender Colin Murdock, who withdrew earlier this week through injury.

McIlroy will decide after the under-21 game tomorrow whether to draft-in Alan Blayney or Elliott Morris as back up to number one Maik Taylor.