NI's Bruce and McCann to miss qualifier

Published Saturday, 13 October 2012

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has lost two more players ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Portugal, with Alex Bruce and Grant McCann forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.

Grant McCann, seen in actiona against Estonia, has a knee injury. (© Pacemaker)

Hull defender Bruce is suffering from a groin strain while Peterborough midfielder McCann has a knee problem.

Bruce, 28, was in line to make his competitive debut for Northern Ireland after switching his allegiance from the Republic.

No replacements for the pair have been called up.

The latest withdrawals bring the total number of players to have pulled out of the squad to six.

Bruce's club mate Joe Dudgeon, who was also in line to make his international debut, pulled out earlier in the week along with Shane Ferguson, Martin Paterson and James McPake.

Chris Brunt and Jamie Ward were not considered for the squad due to existing injuries, while goalkeeper Lee Camp is unavailable for personal reasons.

Comments

4 Comments

s magowan in belfast wrote (218 days ago):

It is obvious that we are lacking a pool of class players,not enough youngsters playing for English or Scottish teams so nothing coming through.In the Irish League we have plenty of good young players unable to step up into the National team because of their lack of full time training,so lack of pace and stamina,i think now our not so forward thinking IFA,should consider turning our part time Irish League into a full time one.

Alex Crumlin in Lisburn wrote (219 days ago):

Bruce is no big loss, he is not a good as what we have got. He had his chance when he was younger and snubbed NI for ROI. Grant McCann never gave less than 100% but seems to be out of favour with Micheal. Personally I thought he was a good choice as Manager now I am starting to question some decisions notably McCann and Gerry Armstrong.Also what is the truth about Lee Camp,this will not encourage other players to jump ito the camp.

billy in lurgan wrote (220 days ago):

Am concerned with the withdrawal of Bruce as it means he could still choose the ROI but in regards to McCann i am if honest not overly bothered he is to slow in my opinion and i think this was his last chance......GAWA

Big J in Co Armagh wrote (220 days ago):

He should have been ruled out in the first place by Mickey O'Neill. We don't expect to win every game, nor qualify for every tournment. But we have had our moments in World Football that have come through belief and passion. By drafting in people like this is just wrong and shouldn't happen.

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NI's Bruce and McCann to miss qualifier

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has lost two more players ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Portugal, with Alex Bruce and Grant McCann forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.