Eligibility rule is tough on the Irish FA: Worthy

FROM BACK PAGE Burns played the full 90 minutes yesterday as Livi held champions Celtic 0-0.

Worthington accepts the issue of player eligibility is “part and parcel” of international management. He added: “The player makes a choice and there’s not a lot you can do about it. It’s hard for the association to take because of the time, money and effort that goes into developing players only to see them leave.

“It’s hard on the Irish FA and the supporters are right to be frustrated by the rule. It’s an ongoing situation and I just don’t feel it’s right that an association that has invested in a player, perhaps from the age of eight up to the teenage years, then sees the player move somewhere else. I have every sympathy with the fans from that point of view.”

Worthington was manager the last time the international neighbours clashed in May 2011 as the Republic cruised to a 5-0 Nations Cup win over a youthful Northern Ireland side in Dublin.

He also played in the infamous World Cup qualifier in November, 1993 — a game which finished 1-1 amid high tension at Windsor Park when the Troubles were at their height.

“I can remember Billy Bingham upsetting big Jack (Charlton),” laughed Worthington. “They did get the draw they needed to quality and thankfully we have moved a great deal forward from those times.

“There was a big build up to that game and even though we were at home we were underdogs and that suited us. Billy did his job in getting us wound up so we could get the best result. The Windsor crowd made you think there was 70,000 in there.

“But it’s a derby game and there’s nothing wrong with that sporting rivalry.

“It is an unusual fixture for both teams but it will be a good game with the two O’Neills, Michael and Martin, going for the win. I don’t view it as a friendly. I know we played them in the Carling Nations Cup but we had youngsters and got hammered. I think it’s a local derby in international football and both sets of managers, players and supporters will be hungry to win.”

Southampton ace Shane Long has withdrawn from the Republic squad with an ankle injury.