Gerry Taggart's return from injury has been made complete by his inclusion in the Northern Ireland squad for next week's friendly international against Cyprus.
The Leicester centre-half has not played for the Irish since winning his 50th
cap against Norway back in February 2001 because of a serious knee problem.
Taggart returned towards the end of last season and the 31-year-old's comeback
is a welcome boost for Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy.
His return is all the more timely for McIlroy after experienced campaigner Jim
Magilton announced his international retirement during the summer.
Former Foxes clubmate Neil Lennon also back after being dogged by injuries for most of last
season.
Wednesday's game at Windsor Park will be Northern Ireland's final match before
the beginning of their Euro 2004 qualifiers in October.
Northern Ireland squad to play Cyprus at Windsor Park on Wednesday:
M Taylor
(Fulham), R Carroll (Manchester United), D Griffin (Dundee United), G McCartney
(Sunderland), M Williams (Wimbledon), C Murdock (Preston), G Taggart
(Leicester), P Kennedy (Wigan), M Duff (Cheltenham), Johnson (Birmingham), K
Gillespie (Blackburn), N Lennon (Celtic), S Lomas (West Ham), P Mulryne
(Norwich), K Horlock (Manchester City), P McVeigh (Norwich), D Healy (Preston),
S Elliott (Hull), W Feeney (Bournemouth), J Quinn (Willem II).
- NEWS
