Football: SAMMY'S SQUAD IS HIT FOR SIX; But boss trusts his stars.

SAMMY McIlroy made his first political manoeuvre as Northern Ireland manager yesterday, distancing himself from the IFA's intention to complain about missing internationals.

His squad has been left depleted due to injury withdrawals of six players, including Premiership stars Neil Lennon, Steve Lomas and Gerry Taggart, ahead of tonight's international against Yugoslavia, and days before the start of the new season.

The IFA yesterday confirmed that it would demand further tests on players claiming to be injured, but McIlroy said it was the association's prerogative, while he would continue managing the team.

In addition to the absence of Lomas, Lennon, and Taggart, strikers Paul McKnight and Phil Gray have pulled out, and defender Peter Kennedy.

Phil Gray was with the squad this week, but was sidelined with a knee injury sustained during a Belfast-based training session.

His absence forced McIlroy to call-up Linfield striker Davy Larmour, to join what will be one of the youngest squads ever put on display at Windsor Park.

The storm brewing within the IFA, may have calmed somewhat last night after it was informed that Lomas, Lennon and Taggart had all made personal calls to their international boss, assuring him they are genuinely injured and risk missing the start of the Premiership season.

Beating a Yugoslavia side which may resemble only half of that which entertained during the Euro 2000 championships, is not of optimum importance to McIlroy.

This was to be the dress rehearsal for the World Cup qualifying stages which kick-off on September 2 with a opening home debate with Malta.

The most McIlroy can hope for is a confidence injecting boost to fringe players aiming to etch their name onto the manager's select list for the testing group qualifiers.

"I am aware that in some cases there may be pressure on players to play for their clubs ahead of a friendly international, but I'm not certain that this is the case on this occasion," said McIlroy.

"I have had calls from Steve Lomas, Gerry Taggart and Neil Lennon. I know that Peter Kennedy and Paul McKnight are hurt, and in front of my on eyes I watched Phil Gray get injured during a training session.

"I am aware that the IFA is not happy about the withdrawal of the players, and I can understand that the association and the supporters want to see the their top players playing for their country.

"I have spoke with the injured players and they have expressed their hope that we win.

"This is not the ideal preparation for us though. Since I have taken over as manager, we have had four session together and I have yet to see the team I want playing on the pitch.

While there is loss for one man, several can expect to gain at Windsor Park tonight.

McIlroy's team will virtually pick itself and notable appearances are expected from Phil Mulryne, Jeff Whitley, Damien Johnson and Andy Kirk, while Davy Larmour can hope to feature.

The Linfield striker thought he was the butt of a typical club prank yesterday when told to have his boots ready for an international call-up.

The former Liverpool apprentice was contacted while working in Belfast's Royal Mail office and after confirming the news with club secretary Derek Brooks, steadied himself for the reality of the international arena.

Larmour received his elevation to the squad after Burnley striker Phil Gray was forced to return to his club with a knee injury sustained in training.

"I thought one of the lads at the club was taking the mickey, playing a joke on me," said Larmour.

"I was told to get time off work because I was to attend training with the Northern Ireland squad. I didn't believe it, so I called the club and our secretary told me it was true."

Larmour has been an impressive feature in Linfield's pre-season preparations, and will be no stranger to the surrounds of tonight's home international meeting with Yugoslavia should he get a chance to impress.SAM-STRUNG: Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy whose squad has been left depleted