USA Tour News: Imps Could Start

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26th May 2006

Lincoln City FC might be in the midst of despair following the departures of manager Keith Alexander and defender Jamie McCombe but two Imps' players are hoping to redress the good news balance.

Later today, Northern Ireland play the second match of their tour of the United States of America. The match takes place in Chicago against Romania. Hoping to start the game are Lincoln City defenders Jeff Hughes and Gareth McAuley.

Both players featured in Northern Ireland's first tour match, which saw the Irish lose 1-0 to Uruguay. Hughes not only made his full international debut but also started the match at left-back. McAuley was a late substitute but his appearance was sufficient for him to become Lincoln City's most capped player with four caps.

McAuley is likely to start tonight's match, although Hughes will vie with Plymouth Argyle's Tony Capaldi for the left-back role. However, Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez could be forced into making late team selections after FIFA ruled that only players with a British passport can represent Northern Ireland. Previously, players with an Eire passport could play for either the Republic or Northern Ireland.

At least one member of the touring group is affected by this new ruling, leaving the Irish FA to spend a frantic day assessing their course of action to take in regard to this decision by FIFA.

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