Sanchez confirms McCartney rumours

Lawrie Sanchez has confirmed that Sunderland defender George McCartney no longer wants to play for Northern Ireland while he is still international boss.

The former Wycombe boss confirmed what was already a poorly kept secret during a press conference in Malta where his severely depleted side face their hosts in Valetta on Wednesday night.

McCartney, 24, revealed to the BBC early this week that he no longer wanted to play for Sanchez but that he was not retiring from international duty. In response, Sanchez said he knew about George’s “commitment” but that he was “more concerned about players who want to play for Northern Ireland”.

"My job is do my best for Northern Ireland," the manager said.

"I made it plain from day one to the players that I only wanted those who were fully committed.

"Anything else can lead to conflict, and some players want to pick when they play. When they want to play they expect to play.

"It led to a situation where you had the game against Spain when 13 players withdrew from the squad.

"I have been fairly consistent. It is not my job to chase players to play for Northern Ireland. In that situation you end up with the player in charge."

Northern Ireland go into Wednesday’s friendly with only three recognised defenders – Aaron Hughes, Stephen Craigan and Colin Murdock.

Sanchez is likely to go for two wing-backs in the game to compensate for his side’s defensive lack of numbers.

Northern Ireland's probable side is: Taylor, Elliott, Hughes, Murdock, Craigan, Gillespie, Johnson, Davis, Whitley, Healy, Quinn.

(MB/SP)