Worthy wary of away day blues
Saturday, October 13, 2007
By Graham Luney
Nigel Worthington, as he digests the bad news regarding his growing list,
already knows that history isn't on his side.
The Irish FA forgot to pack woolly hats for the trip to Iceland but travel
sickness pills could well be added to that checklist.
In recent years Northern Ireland have struggled to sparkle on the road but
if they are going to keep the Euro 2008 qualifying dream alive, this trend
must be booted into touch.
Sweden isn't an easy location to record a win but that is what our boys must
do if they want to keep harbouring hopes of progressing to Austria and
Switzerland next summer.
The Swedes will be gunning for revenge after David Healy embarrassed them at
Windsor Park earlier this year but Worthington believes his under-fire team
can stand up and be counted as the pressure mounts.
But first and foremost, Northern Ireland are going to have to discover the
sweet taste of victory on their travels.
"We are going to have to change that poor away record and put in a good
performance and hopefully get a good result," said Worthington.
"We have to go there with great belief and carry our form on from the second
half performance against Iceland.
"There were positives from that game and the players showed what they were
capable of as opposed to the all round below par showing against Latvia.
"We are under no illusions about the situation after the two disappointing
results we have suffered but we will give it our best shot."
The former Sheffield Wednesday favourite decided to draft Glentoran striker
Gary Hamilton into the squad as a replacement for the injured Keith
Gillespie.
Hamilton got the nod just ahead of Northampton Town's Andy Kirk who has been
in red hot goalscoring form.
Gillespie's injury is a huge blow to Worthington as his experience could
have helped Northern Ireland carve out another memorable result.
But one man's misfortune is another's opportunity and Hamilton will be
desperate to boost his tally of five caps.
Worthington promised he will keep an eye on Irish League players and that's
good news for Hamilton and co.
"It is good for the locals to know we are watching and if the situation
arises, we are not afraid to call Irish League players into the squad," he
said.
"Gary can give us more than just goals and I'm looking forward to seeing
what the players can do."
