Soccer: Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington admits he has no option but to respect the decision of those fans who opt to stay away from their Carling Nations Cup clash with the Republic of Ireland.
But he is hoping for a performance from his youthful squad regardless of the backing they receive in the Aviva Stadium tomorrow night.
Supporters are threatening to boycott the match because of travel arrangements put in place by the IFA, whereby they can only obtain tickets to the game if they travel there on approved coaches.
The cost — which does not include the ticket price — has been reduced from £30 to £22 but Worthington is bracing himself for a low turnout.
He said: “There are two sides to it. There are one or two issues that our supporters have got and I’ve got to respect that.
“Whatever people are there, we will be grateful for. There are others who have issues and I’ve got to respect what those issues are. That’s up to the individuals. We had a dress rehearsal for that situation in Serbia and we had a fantastic performance out there so if I can get the same performance again, I will be very, very happy.”
Asked if the tournament should be repeated, he replied: “We’ve got to be fair to the sponsors, the sponsors are here and we’ve got to respect that and do the best we can for the situation and appreciate that. If and when the dust settles, we can reflect and see what’s what.”
However, he does admit the timing of the competition is not ideal.
“The two games at this time of the season is very awkward. The Republic have got qualifying games so they will have pretty much all their big players around the squad. Wales have been hit quite badly, as have ourselves. I don’t know Scotland’s situation at the moment.
“We’ve got players who have played 50-odd games in the season and need a rest, players who are getting married, one or two who have injuries at the end of the season. But as long as all the big boys are fit and raring to go come the start of August, that’s when I want them all back.”
With several senior members of the squad absent, Worthington has been forced to give youth a chance and 17-year-old Ipswich midfielder Josh Carson will make his debut.
Lack of numbers means the eligibility row has surfaced again, with a Fifa ruling allowing Northern Ireland-born players to opt for the Republic, and youngsters Daniel Devine and Shane Ferguson looking likely to switch allegiance.
Worthington said: “The situation hasn’t changed. The door is open at this moment in time until such time as it changes. Personally, I want players to represent Northern Ireland, not another country, and that’s the Republic, England, Scotland, Wales, wherever.
“I was asked last week if I would do it and I said yes, I would. The door is open and I think the door has to be shut firmly and there are no gaps. You’re born in the country, you represent the country and that’s it. If I could go and get a player from Scotland or England or Wales, the situation is there so I would use it.
“But I think the sooner the situation is in black and white the better. There is a loophole in the situation. I’m a big believer that you represent the country you’re born into.”
Blackpool’s Craig Cathcart will join up with the rest of the squad today following yesterday’s defeat against Manchester United, which saw the Seasiders lose their bid for Barclays Premier League survival.
“Craig Cathcart is coming this afternoon," said Worthington. "Everybody else trained this morning. They are in good fettle and it was a lively session. They are in good form.”
Defender Gareth McAuley will wear the captain’s armband. The 31-year-old’s move to West Brom on a free transfer from Ipswich was confirmed today.
Northern Ireland (v Rep of Ireland):Blayney; Thompson, Cathcart, McAuley, Hodson, Carson, Clingan, Davis, Gorman, Feeney, McQuoid.
