Irish frustrations 'shock' Worthington

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has expressed his “shock” that a player might consider turning his back on international football.

Former World Cup finalist Worthington, who won 66 caps in a 13-year spell from 1984, was reacting to reports that squad members Gareth McAuley and Ivan Sproule were considering their futures at this level.

Both players decided to go public on their frustration at their lack of ’game time’.

While Worthington stated he was unaware of their comments, he said: “I would be shocked if that was the case.

“To represent your country at any level – be it as a player, coach or manager - is a wonderful thing.

“I always looked forward to representing my country and giving my best.

“What I would say to whoever is to keep an open mind. The years go by very quickly.

“I would rather have a lot of caps on the table as opposed to one or two.”

With the Northern Ireland squad weakened because of injury and suspension, Leicester captain McAuley and Bristol City winger Sproule could make rare starts in tomorrow’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against group leaders Sweden.

McAuley is set to replace Michael Duff at right-back, while Sproule could come in for Keith Gillespie.

Worthington said: “I know nothing of their so-called frustration.

“They have both been selected for the squad, turned up and they seem very happy in their work.

“The door could be open for those who might have been frustrated.”

Gillespie, fined by the Irish Football Association after throwing punches at team-mate George McCartney on the plane back from Iceland last month, is absent because of a hamstring injury.

Worthington insists the squad’s morale has not be scarred because of that unsavoury incident.

He said: “There has been no need to address anything. Keith was in among it all and is not here.

“The situation has been dealt with; it is done and dusted, and has not been mentioned.”

Sweden will claim a place in the finals with a victory. But Worthington is intent on spoiling the party-in-waiting at the Rasunda Stadium and claiming a double over the hosts.

He believes Northern Ireland still have a chance of qualifying themselves - despite back-to-back defeats against Latvia and Iceland, as well as the absence of a number of key players.

Chris Baird, captain in the last two games, Jonny Evans, Warren Feeney and Damian Johnson are also all sidelined.

Worthington said: “The door is open for us in the campaign. It depends on how hard we want to push it.

“The attitude and spirit of the players has been top class. I want them to relax, enjoy the game and play it as if it was a training session.

“We have a group of young players blending together, coming together. I want them to play with freedom.”