McIlroy in confident mood ahead of Armenia visit

Northern Ireland manager, Sammy McIlroy was in confident mood today after arriving home from Donetsk following his side's impressive 0-0 draw against Ukraine at the weekend.

Although Northern Ireland again failed to score, McIlroy's team showed an abundance of character, resilience and a little bit of luck to ensure they go into Wednesday night's home fixture against Armenia confident that their goal scoring hoodoo will end.

"The critics will point to the fact that we have not scored again but when I get performances like this it is magnificent, he said.

"We are getting better and confidence is growing. It is a great boost for Wednesday night's home game against Armenia."

Crystal Palace winger Michael Hughes will be the only change to Northern Ireland's starting line-up for the Windsor Park game.

Hughes was booked for a late challenge on an opponent during Saturday's match. He is likely to be replaced by Glentoran striker Andy Smith as McIlroy contemplates a more attack minded formation.

Keith Gillespie also has a slight hamstring problem but that is not likely to affect his chances of playing on Wednesday.

(MB)