NORTHERN Ireland team manager Lawrie Sanchez met the press this afternoon with goalkeeper Maik Taylor and praised the keeper’s commitment to the country.

 

As Maik faces his 50^th game for Northern Ireland tomorrow night he was asked if he had ever regretted choosing to play for our wee country.

 

As the holder of a British passport – his mother is German and his father English – he could have chosen to play for any of the home nations.

 

But Maik, who started playing football professionally at the relatively late age of 24, revealed:  “I was 27-years-old and playing in the Second Division in England when I got the opportunity to play for Northern Ireland.  I thought long and hard about it and I have never had any regrets.

 

“We all have dreams of playing at the top level and playing for Northern Ireland has helped me move into the Premiership.  It’s amazing that I have got to my 50^th cap and I am excited and proud about playing tomorrow night.  I consider it an honour to play for the country.”

 

Manager Lawrie, sitting alongside Maik, added:  “A lot of players say things like that, but Maik actually delivers.  He turns up.  It’s not about what you talk, it’s about what you do, and Maik’s commitment to Northern Ireland is clear for all to see. 

 

“It’s a great credit to Maik, and a great achievement, to have got 50 caps, especially when we have two goalkeepers of similar calibre.  It follows in the good tradition of great Northern Ireland goalkeepers.”

 

Looking forward to tomorrow’s game against Austria, Maik added:  “The team has grown in confidence and belief throughout this qualifying campaign.  We know we are capable of achieving something.  It’s important that we don’t sit back now, but look forward.”

 

Asked if he enjoyed working with Northern Ireland goalkeeping coach Dave Beasant Maik said:  “I have been fortunate throughout my career to have goalkeeping coaches and it is great that the keepers don’t get neglected on international duty.  Dave is first class and I really enjoy working with him.”

 

Damien Johnson did not train this morning, but is expected to join in with training at the match stadium this evening.  Lawrie said:  “It’s just stiffness and there is no reason, with the last game coming up, to risk anything in training.”

 

Lawrie said he was expecting to play a 4-4-2 formation and added:  “The success we have had is with 4-4-2 and the players prefer 4-4-2.  Nothing’s written in text but I’d like to play 4-4-2.  Chris Baird will play.  He’s a right back who’s done exceptionally well.  He does need to play club football however, and we have spoken about that.  I prefer to play people in positions they are comfortable with.”

 

On the subject of midfielder Steve Davis, who scored his first goal for Northern Ireland against Wales on Saturday, Lawrie confirmed he agrees with widespread predictions that the youngster has a brilliant top level career ahead of him.  He said:  “I think Steve will go as far as he wants to in the game.  I saw him play against Chelsea last week and he didn’t look out of place.”

 

Speaking of his squad in general terms Lawrie said:  “The players have taken on board what I and the coaching staff have been saying to them over this campaign.  The England game is not a one-off.  From the second half of the Norway game onwards there has been a progression.  We now have as group of players who are dedicated to playing for Northern Ireland and who believe they can deliver.

 

“Hopefully we’ll have a good story for you all tomorrow night.  I have no doubt we will score a goal.  Let’s hope Keith Gillespie can finish it off with a goal right at the end that sees us achieve third place!”