Northern Ireland ready for Czech clash

September 9, 2008

Nigel Worthington has spoken of his frustration at the indiscipline of his side, which he points out as the major reason why we failed to pick up any points against a side ranked 64th in the world rankings. Players could also be seen to be angry at their own performance, David Healy and Warren Feeney in particular highlighting the referee who was less than kind to Northern Ireland, denying us a stonewall penalty and passing over numerous fouls against us. Healy said “Decisions went against us and the way referees are these days you can’t even ask them a question”.

However, Northern Ireland are now doubly determined to get points on the board in Wednesday’s encounter with the Czech Republic in front of an expectant yet supportive home crowd at Windsor Park. The same thing happened two years ago, opening the Euro 2008 qualification with a 3-0 loss to Iceland, yet a mere four days later and we managed to overcome the eventual European Champions Spain 3-2! They are using that experience as hope to draw on for Wednesday’s game, as when the Windsor park crowd gets behind them on a big occasion, they have shown before there is nobody we can’t beat.

If they are to do so, the task will however be made more difficult, as forward Kyle Lafferty has been ruled out of the whole matchday squad with a back injury. He had been monitored by club doctors at Rangers in the hope of joining up with the squad before Wednesdays encounter, however has been deemed not fit to play. David Healy is now expected to be partnered by either Martin Paterson or Warren Feeney up front as Nigel Worthington will revert to his usual 4-4-2 formation. Keith Gillespie, who had recovered in time to play against Slovakia from an ankle injury, also suffered a knock in that very game, coming off early in the second half to be replaced by Warren Feeney, is expected to make the team by Wednesday night.

George McCartney however is “50-50″ to play in Wednesday’s vital match, as manager Nigel Worthington says he is struggling with a hamstring injury, having not played much pre-season football following a bout of pneumonia. This should open the door for Jonny Evans to retake his usual position at left back, while Gareth McCauley or Michael Duff will be ready to cover the right back spot vacated by Evans.

Most notably, Czech Republic are without their Arsenal midfielder and captain Tomas Rosicky.

The backlash from the disappointing showing in Bratislava should hopefully serve to get the side going for this tremendously important match against the group favourites. Getting nothing from a game where 3 points were ours for the taking means it is essential that we take something from this coming game, and with Czech Republic playing their first game having not played on Saturday, and Poland drawing with Slovenia, this is an opportunity for Northern Ireland to make the most of what is left after the slip up on Saturday.

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