McAuley Ruled Out But Nine Away With International Squads
Monday, 1st Mar 2010 11:05

Central defender Gareth McAuley has dropped out of Northern Ireland’s squad for their friendly against Albania in Tirana on Wednesday due to a groin problem. Town have nine other players due to spend time with international squads this week.

McAuley revealed that the injury had been hampering him for a few games after Saturday's draw with Bristol City.

On-loan striker David Healy is also in Nigel Worthington’s squad for the Albania game and will be looking to add to his record goals total of 35.

Central defender Tommy Smith, who is currently on loan at Brentford, is set to make his international debut for New Zealand on Wedneday when the All Whites take on Giovani Dos Santos and Mexico in a friendly in Los Angeles.

Keeper Brian Murphy was a late call into the Republic of Ireland squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium (ITV1 8pm).

Midfielder Owen Garvan will be with the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for their European Championship qualifier against Armenia in Dublin on Wednesday. Garvan has been skippering the Irish U21 side this season.

Academy duo Ronan Murray and David Cawley have already joined up with a Republic of Ireland U19 training camp at Bisham Abbey which lasts until Thursday. The camp is part of the Irish squad’s preparations for the UEFA U19 elite stage qualifiers in Ukraine in May.

Their Northern Irish colleagues, Rory McKeown, Josh Carson and Cormac Burke, are with the Northern Ireland U17 squad for two friendlies with Norway in Ballymoney on Tuesday and Thursday. The games have been arranged as preparation for their UEFA European U17 Championship elite round mini-tournament later in the month.

Photo: Action Images

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