Little given chance to nail down NI right back slot

Editorial Department • Published 4 Mar 2010 15:09 0 Comments

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He is Worthy... Andrew Little under the watchful eye of Nigel Worthington, manager, Northern Ireland, during training at Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana ahead of Wednesday night's international friendly against Albania. Photo: PRESSEYE

Andy Little collected his third Northern Ireland cap last night with the Enniskillen man having been handed the right back slot by manager Nigel Worthington for the friendly against Albania in Tirana.

Little's versatility has saw him play up front, wide on the right and now at right back for his country, and prior to the game Worthington stated he wanted to see could Andy be the answer to the right back position.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Andy play because the right back situation has never been nailed down. Gareth McAuley has played there and done a steady job for us. Chris Baird has played there and done okay. I have a lot of time for Andy, I just love his attitude."

A defensive role will not be alien to Little, who made his Glasgow Rangers debut in an Old Firm game against Celtic at right back and has been used a number of times at the back by the Scottish Prmeier League leaders, and his captain and goalkeeper Maik Taylor has confidence in the 20 year old.

"Andy will come in and right back will not be unfamiliar to him as he has played there for Rangers. I know when he has been with us before he's been selected as a striker but I'm hoping he'll be able to enjoy the experience as a defender this time," he commented.

Kyle Lafferty made it two Fermanagh men in the line up, undoutedbly and he was looking for a good performanace having hit the headlines again after another tempestuous Old Firm clash on Sunday.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Mar 10

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