Lennon omitted from NI squad
Neil Lennon’s decision to retire from international football appeared to be confirmed today when he was omitted from the Northern Ireland squad for the Euro 2004 qualifying matches against Spain and Ukraine.
The Celtic midfielder was devastated after receiving a death threat in the hours before the friendly against Cyprus in August.
The Irish FA have left the door open but it is highly unlikely he will return to the international arena.
His loss is a major blow for manager Sammy McIlroy, whose side face Spain in Albecete on October 12, then entertain Ukraine four days later.
Lennon was due to captain the team against Cyprus and that honour could now go to West Ham midfielder Steve Lomas, who is back after injury.
McIlroy has all his main players available with the exception of Lennon and Jim Magilton, who has also retired.
Gerry Taggart, Aaron Hughes, Michael Hughes and Philip Mulryne are all back in the squad.
Leicester defender Taggart has not pulled on an Irish shirt since February 2001 due to a series of injuries.
Taggart was named in the side for the Cyprus game but was again forced to pull out.
Paul McVeigh of Norwich and Steven Kirk of Hearts are drafted in and could form a strike partnership.
Northern Ireland have failed to score in their last three games, and both players are in good form at the moment.
McVeigh has scored eight goals in the First Division and could be handed his first start.
Of the team that started against Cyprus, only Peter Kennedy of Wigan has been omitted.
