The Irish Football Association (IFA) confirmed today it was investigating a reported fight between two of its own players following last night's 2-1 defeat in their Group F Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland.

According to BBCNorthern Ireland the players in question are Keith Gillespie and George McCartney, who exchanged blows after boarding their flight from Reykjavik to London this morning.

It is understood other squad members had intervened to break the two players up after cabin crew highlighted the problem to manager Nigel Worthington.

The IFA declined to comment beyond saying it was aware of the situation and would investigate.
   
"An incident occurred today between team members of the senior Northern Ireland squad of which the president (Raymond Kennedy) and chief executive (Howard Wells) are aware," the IFA statement said.
   
"Both the president and the chief executive will investigate the situation and take appropriate action. There will be no further comment at this stage."
   
Last night's defeat, sealed with a Gillespie own goal in the final minutes, leaves Worthington's side struggling to qualify for next year's finals, following a defeat courtesy of another own goal against Latvia at the weekend.
   
Northern Ireland had made an impressive start to their Euro 2008 campaign with wins over Spain and Sweden, among others, that left them top of the group when manager Lawrie Sanchez resigned in May to manage Premier League club Fulham.
   
He was replaced for the remainder of the year by former Northern Ireland defender and captain Worthington, since then the side has played three internationals with their only victory coming in the 3-1 win over Liechtenstein last month.

Gillespie, who plays for Sheffield United, has played 78 times for Northern Ireland since making his international debut in 1994.  West Ham defender McCartney won his 25th cap last night after a two-year absence from the international scene under Sanchez.