Blades star will not change mind over international decision

OLIVER NORWOOD will be cheering on Northern Ireland in their glamour qualifiers against Holland and Germany but there is no hint of the midfielder reversing his international retirement, according to Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder.

Newly-appointed Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill will take charge of his country for what could be his swansong with Northern Ireland placed third in

Euro 2020 qualifying behind the Group C heavyweights.

Norwood has been an everpresent during the Blades’ eyecatching start to the season, helping them to fifth in the Premier League table.

He will be watching his former international team-mates from afar, though, after prematurely calling time on his Northern Ireland career in August.

At just 28, and with 57 caps to his name, the midfielder is in his prime but even the forthcoming fixtures, or the prospect of a Euro play-off in March, have not forced a change of heart.

“He made that decision before these games came along and he knew what decision he wanted to make; he was adamant and positive about that,” said Wilder.

“He is still a big supporter of Northern Ireland football and he’ll be delighted if they get some positive results. Ollie will be a big cheerleader for them but he’s made his decision.

“He wanted to concentrate on this season in the Premier League and he’s doing great with the contribution he is making for us.”

■ Wales defender Neil Taylor has withdrawn from the squad for the decisive Euro 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary.

“Neil Taylor has withdrawn from the squad due to personal reasons,” said a tweet posted on the official Wales national team account.

The 43-times capped Aston Villa full-back started September’s Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Azerbaijan in Cardiff.

But the 30-year-old did not feature in last month’s 1-1 draws against Slovakia and Croatia and was not expected to start in Baku on Saturday.

Wales must win in Azerbaijan

and at home to Hungary next Tuesday to keep alive hopes of automatic qualification for next summer’s European finals.

■ Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of Egypt’s two games during this international break due to injury.

The 27-year-old has picked up a knock that will prevent him facing Kenya and Comoros, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has said.