Sanchez recalls Doherty into NI squad

Lawrie Sanchez has recalled Bristol City captain Tommy Doherty to the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Austria.

Fan favourite Doherty was axed from last month’s opening World Cup squad to face Poland and Wales after repeatedly withdrawing from all but one of Sanchez’s games leading up to last month’s fixtures.

However, many fans expressed surprise at the exclusion of the player - who is being tracked by numerous Premiership clubs - as Northern Ireland currently suffers a lack of strength in the midfield.

Meanwhile, Sanchez has also recalled Southampton defender Chris Baird who returns to the squad following a knee injury. This is a welcome boost for the former Wycombe boss who will be without full-back Chris Capaldi because of a broken leg. Capaldi would have missed the Azerbaijan game in any case having picked a one-match suspension.

Striker David Healy and midfield man Michael Hughes are also suspended following last month’s highly charged, but unforgettable, 2-2 draw against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

However, Healy will return to the squad for the Austria game at Windsor Park on Wednesday 13 October while Hughes has been suspended for three games.

At least four points from the next two games are vital for Northern Ireland if they are to retain any hoping of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The Northern Ireland squad is: Roy Carroll (Manchester United), Maik Taylor (Birmingham City); George McCartney (Sunderland), Mark Williams (MK Dons), Stephen Craigan (Motherwell), Colin Murdock (Hibernian), Aaron Hughes (Captain) (Newcastle United), Mark Clyde (Wolves), Chris Baird (Southampton); Damien Johnson (Birmingham City), Danny Sonner (Peterborough United), Jeff Whitley (Sunderland), Tommy Doherty (Bristol City), Stuart Elliott (Hull City), Andrew Smith (Preston North End), Paul McVeigh (Norwich City), Steve Jones (Crewe Alexandra), James Quinn (Willem II FC).

(MB/GMCG)