Williams recalled by Northern Ireland

Mark Williams, the Wimbledon FC defender, has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad after a nine-month absence to face Liechtenstein in an international friendly next week.

Timely return
Williams has not played for Northern Ireland this season because of a broken leg and won his last cap against the Czech Republic back in June. The centre-half has just returned to action with Wimbledon and has assured the Northern Ireland manager, Sammy McIlroy, that he is fit enough to play next Wednesday.

Club commitments
Williams' return is all the more welcome for Northern Ireland because Newcastle United FC's Aaron Hughes is injured, while Michael Duff is needed by third division Cheltenham Town FC for a league match as is the uncapped Pat McCourt from Rochdale FC.

Injury worries
McIlroy has also called up the uncapped Shaun Holmes of Wrexham FC and recalled Wigan Athletic FC's Ian Nolan to provide cover for his defence. Wimbledon's Michael Hughes and Wigan Athletic FC's Peter Kennedy make the squad despite injuries. Hughes has a calf problem and Kennedy a ligament injury but may both be fit for next week.

Debut
Bournemouth AFC striker Warren Feeney is in line to make his debut for the match which will be used to assess players ahead of the EURO 2004™ qualifiers.

Northern Ireland squad
Carroll, Taylor, McCartney, Holmes, Williams, Nolan, Kennedy, Griffin, Lomas, McCann, Lennon, Magilton, Johnson, Mulryne, McVeigh, Horlock, Hughes, Gillespie, Elliott, Feeney, Healy.