David Healy is left out of Northern Ireland squad
Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has left out influential striker David Healy from his squad for this month’s friendly with Morocco on 17 November at Windsor Park.
Healy has been involved in every Northern Ireland squad since making his debut in 2000.
However, the striker has found it very difficult to play regularly while at Premier League side Sunderland, and Worthington has opted to give some of his fringe players a chance.
"I spoke to David last week to explain my thinking and obviously he was disappointed. What David has achieved over many years for Northern Ireland is fantastic and the door is still wide open for him,” said Worthington.
Healy moved to Doncaster Rovers on a one-month loan deal and scored in his first appearance for the team in their 2-1 win on Saturday 6 November.
Worthington is hoping that the player will gain some first team football and that the loan deal may lead to something more permanent.
The striker has struggled at Sunderland and has made only 24 appearances in two years.
"It is a case of him hopefully getting some first-team football and scoring some goals in the next few months. I want him to focus and concentrate on that and hopefully he will get back to where he was,” said Worthington.
The player has failed to produce his remarkable goal scoring record at international level and his dip in form has coincided with his move to Sunderland.
Healy has not scored in two years for Northern Ireland, but has still scored 35 goals in 84 caps.
The manager will give an opportunity to some of the fringe players and hope that Healy can return to form with Doncaster after an encouraging debut.
"A friendly match gives us the opportunity to look at some players who have been on the fringes and give them some game time."
Worthington is expected to include Healy in the Northern Ireland squad for the European Championship qualifiers next year.
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