IFA chief defends Sanchez

Lawrie Sanchez had “personal reasons” for his no-show before the media after Northern Ireland’s stunning 3-2 win over Spain at Windsor Park according to his Irish Football Association chiefs.

David Healy’s hat-trick secured a remarkable Group F Euro 2008 qualifiying triumph and was the perfect response to the critics who rounded on Sanchez after a 3-0 defeat to Iceland last weekend.