Gillespie back for McIlroy
Keith Gillespie returns to the Northern Ireland squad for the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Ukraine and Armenia with a glowing tribute from manager Sammy McIlroy ringing in his ears.
The experienced Leicester winger is expected to be a key figure in these back-to back games next month after missing the draw against Spain through suspension.
McIlroy said: “Keith has been arguably the most consistent player in my reign, with all the troubles I’ve had.”
Gillespie is one of four players to be recalled. Michael Hughes, Phil Mulryne and Andy Kirk are all back in contention.
Hughes and goalkeeper Maik Taylor are the only 30-somethings in the 20-man squad.
McIlroy has vowed to give his young players a chance in the three remaining qualifiers. Northern Ireland finish off their campaign against Greece in October.
McIlroy has been heartened by the draw against Spain and the narrow defeat by Italy, both in June.
“I am going to stick by these young boys,” he said. “They showed they could compete with Spain and Italy and I want to build on those displays.
“It seems like I am starting a new squad again and I am very excited about what lies ahead.”
Hughes is set to win his 66th cap after joining Crystal Palace on a 12-month deal.
He did not play a club game last season following a contractual dispute involving Wimbledon and Birmingham.
McIlroy said: “I have spoken to Michael and he is very happy. He is delighted to be back playing.
“With the young squad we have, his experience will be invaluable.”
McIlroy has turned to two Irish League strikers in a bid to end Northern Ireland’s goal drought stretching over 972 minutes.
Glentoran’s Andy Smith and Portadown’s Gary Hamilton have both been recalled because of their good form at club level.
McIlroy said: “Smith is a grafter and has settled in well with the rest of the boys while I know Hamilton from the under 21s.
“If players are doing the business in the Irish League I won’t hesitate to put them in.”
McIlroy added: “I know there is a problem getting goals but I would be a lot more worried if we were not creating chances.”
Northern Ireland squad to play Ukraine on September 6 and Armenia on September 10 in Euro 2004 qualifiers:
Squad: Taylor (Birmingham), Carroll (Man Utd), McCartney (Sunderland), Hughes (Newcastle), Baird (Southampton), Kennedy (Wigan), Murdock (Hibernian), Griffin (Dundee Utd), McCann (Cheltenham), Johnson (Birmingham), Gillespie (Leicester), Hughes (Crystal Palace), Jones (Crewe), Mulryne (Norwich), Doherty (Bristol City), Healy (Preston), Smith (Glentoran), Kirk (Hearts), McVeigh (Norwich), Hamilton (Portadown).
