Against Spain tonight.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

Answers

ap

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

Is N Ireland in the same boat as England, having their no.1 choice captain crocked? Or is this a sign of future skippership?

So, current squad international captains past and present:
Al, Speed, Nobby, Hughes...has Dabs captained Greece?

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

Maybe this answers yr q:

Tuesday, 16 April, 2002, 16:39 GMT 17:39 UK
McIlroy at lowest ebb


Disillusioned Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy admits he is at his "lowest ebb" as his severely-depleted side prepare to face Spain on Wednesday. McIlroy will be without 12 players for the Windsor Park friendly because of injury, suspension and club commitments and the withdrawals have driven him to the brink of despair. The proud McIlroy feels he has not been able to do himself justice as an international manager because he has never once been able to field his best side. "Hand on heart I am disillusioned," said McIlroy. "I want to do so well for the country, but sometimes this job kicks you in the teeth. "All over the football world they hardly understand.

"All they look at is results and you are judged on results. "All it says in the record books is that you drew here or got beat there. "I would like to be judged on results when I've been able to pick the team I would like," added McIlroy. Despite his many frustrations McIlroy intends to honour his contract to lead the team through the Euro 2004 qualifiers. However, the day-to-day involvement of club football has never looked more appealing for McIlroy and he could quit before then if the right offer came in.

As if McIlroy did not have enough problems, he could be without Keith Gillespie and Jim Magilton against Spain. Gillespie spent Tuesday in bed with a sore throat and McIlroy is hoping he will be better on Wednesday morning. Magilton has still not joined up with the squad because of a family problem and time is running out if he is going to be involved. McIlroy tried to call up striker James Quinn, but was knocked back and will draft in an Irish League player if Magilton cannot fly over in the morning. Inevitably, the Irish boss is left fearing a rout against the Spanish who will be at full strength. "You've got to be fearful," he said. "If we go out and sit back and let them show us what they can do, it could be a humiliating score, but we won't do that."

Matches against Spain always bring back memories for Northern Ireland fans of that famous win in Valencia at Espana 82. However, the Irish appear to have no chance of repeating that triumph with such a weakened side. McIlroy, who was part of Billy Bingham's victorious side 20 years ago, knows this, but feels his players can still show the same commitment. "Hopefully we can give the crowd at Windsor Park the effort and commitment, even though we are understrength. "Hopefully the supporters will realise we are understrength, but that doesn't mean we can't go out, roll up our sleeves and have a go."

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

Oh dear. Has he tried the Samaritans?

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

I think their players are busy tonight Dan.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

..........or even Bobby. :-(

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

I thought Hughes had skippered NI before? Maybe a year or two ago?

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

Screach, maybe the Sumarians or Somalians could find a long lost granny from Belfast?

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002