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GILLESPIE GAINS FITNESS FOR ARMENIA MATCH
Sports Network
Aug. 7, 2006
Belfast, Ireland (Sports Network) - Keith Gillespie has been ruled
fit for Northern Ireland as they get set to face Armenia on Wednesday
in a EURO 2004 qualifier.
Gillespie suffered a hamstring injury in the closing minutes of
Saturday's scoreless draw against Ukraine. He could not leave the
pitch as manager Sammy McIlroy had already made his final substitution.
The Leicester winger, of the English Premiership, received treatment
upon his return to Northern Ireland's headquarters and will be ready
for Armenia on Wednesday. It's a must win match for his country who
have not scored a goal in their last 10-plus matches.
"We have now got to be looking to beat Armenia after the way we played
in Ukraine," said Gillespie. "It was a great performance and now we
have to take it a step further and get our first win in the group."
Northern Ireland is the only team without a win in the Group 6
standings and sit 12 points behind first-place Greece.
Midfielder Michael Hughes will be out against Armenia after receiving
a yellow card against Ukraine.
McIlroy should have Roy Carroll and Colin Murdock, who were not with
the club on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Armenia has been accused of attempting to bribe Greek
officials more than $1 million for the match on Saturday. Greek
officials denied those reports.
Sports Network
Aug. 7, 2006
Belfast, Ireland (Sports Network) - Keith Gillespie has been ruled
fit for Northern Ireland as they get set to face Armenia on Wednesday
in a EURO 2004 qualifier.
Gillespie suffered a hamstring injury in the closing minutes of
Saturday's scoreless draw against Ukraine. He could not leave the
pitch as manager Sammy McIlroy had already made his final substitution.
The Leicester winger, of the English Premiership, received treatment
upon his return to Northern Ireland's headquarters and will be ready
for Armenia on Wednesday. It's a must win match for his country who
have not scored a goal in their last 10-plus matches.
"We have now got to be looking to beat Armenia after the way we played
in Ukraine," said Gillespie. "It was a great performance and now we
have to take it a step further and get our first win in the group."
Northern Ireland is the only team without a win in the Group 6
standings and sit 12 points behind first-place Greece.
Midfielder Michael Hughes will be out against Armenia after receiving
a yellow card against Ukraine.
McIlroy should have Roy Carroll and Colin Murdock, who were not with
the club on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Armenia has been accused of attempting to bribe Greek
officials more than $1 million for the match on Saturday. Greek
officials denied those reports.