Sanchez hands NI keeper job to Mannus

Northern Ireland have called up rookie goalkeeper Allan Mannus for Sunday’s game against Trinidad and Tobago because of an injury to Michael Ingham.

Sunderland goalkeeper Michael Ingham fractured his finger in a goalkeeping session and has been forced out of the remainder of the tour, prompting the promotion to the squad of Mannus as back-up to number one Maik Taylor.

Mannus, who plays for Northern Ireland champions Linfield, is likely to figure with manager Lawrie Sanchez seeking to play all his players on tour to help him make up his mind on the likely composition of the squad which will aim to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce said: “We had to make this change after Ingham’s finger was fractured – obviously we could not take a chance with one goalkeeper.

“He has never played for the national senior team but we believe he is very competent.

“He was delighted to get the call and if he plays on Sunday, I am hoping he does well.”