Sanchez wants Thompson full-time

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez is urging Peter Thompson to turn full-time.

The 21-year-old Belfast postman will be back pounding the streets of the city tomorrow after the friendly against Portugal at Windsor Park.

Thompson has scored 18 goals already this season for Linfield and is being tracked by clubs in England and Scotland.

Sanchez said: “Peter has come into the squad and not looked out of place at all.

“He is having a great season but needs to make the next step.

“Without willing players to leave the Irish League, he needs to play full time. That can only benefit him.

“He needs to get full-time training so he does not have to worry about getting up at 5am.”

Thompson is one of three new faces in the squad, along with Dean Shiels and Brian McLean, who are both 20.

Motherwell defender McLean looks set to be handed his debut tonight after Michael Duff of Burnley withdrew because of an ankle problem.

On the possibility of the Glasgow-born player being included, Sanchez remarked: “He has every chance.”

However, Keith Gillespie is doubtful for the match after turning his ankle in training.

While Sanchez will be without regulars like Aaron Hughes, Damien Johnson, David Healy and Chris Baird, he managed to take some positives out of the situation.

“When young lads come in they are so pleased to be here it gives you fresh vigour,” he said. “It is good to see their faces.

“The training has been lively. They have been flying about like madmen. It is nice to see that. They are a breath of fresh air and hopefully that will show in the game.”

Maik Taylor is expected to captain the side in the absence of Hughes, and has been tipped to regain his best form.

The Birmingham goalkeeper made two high-profile errors against Everton and Newcastle in recent weeks, which cost his struggling club.

Instead of gaining at least a draw they lost both 1-0 and are currently lying second-bottom of the table.

Sanchez has no doubts that Taylor will come through this difficult spell.

“Goalkeepers makes mistakes. It is a fact of life,” said the Northern Ireland boss.

“They tend to be highlighted more than centre forwards missing goals or defenders missing tackles.

“Maik has done really well for Northern Ireland. Sometimes coming away from your club and coming into an environment like ours can benefit you.

“There is a change of scene and a change of players around you and that in itself can be refreshing.”