There is mixed fortunes for Derry international footballers ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifiers for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Former City player James McClean.
Wigan Atheltic’s James McClean – one of the better performers in the Republic’s home defeat to Sweden on Friday night last – is to be replaced by Norwich City’s Pilkington.
The English Premiership player gained his first cap on Friday when he came on as a late late substitute in a match which the home side were highly criticised for playing “the high ball game.”
It is a game the Republic must win if they are to maintain any chance of finishing runners-up in the group to qualify for a play-off spot.
McClean’s relegation to the substitute bench is sure to once again anger Irish fans – especially those in his native Derry.
Martin O’Neill, the former Glasgow Celtic, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Leicester manager is the hot favourite to replace Republic boss Giovanni Trappatoni.
Meanwhile, Danny Lafferty, currently playing for Burnley, looks certain to regain his full-back spot in the Northern Ireland team who play Luxembourg.
The former Derry City player missed out on Friday’s defeat to Portugal at Windsor Park due to suspension.
However, the sending off in that game of Chris Brunt opens the gate for the former Derry City player to be including in Michael O’Neill’s starting line-up.
Lafferty said the Northern Ireland team, who have no chance of qualifying for next year’s finals in Brazil, will build on the performances in recent clashes with Portugal and Russia.
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