Occy Out Of N.Ireland Squad

After recently being dropped by Gudjon Thordarson for disciplinary reasons, Michael O'Connor has now been axed by Northern Ireland.

His omission from the squad leaves Alex fans with even more questions than answers after rumors surrounding his relationship with Gudjon Thordarson and the midfielders possible off field problems.

O'Connor has been left out of the Alex squad for the last two games, after showing poor discipline towards an official, including the trip to Peterborough, where Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington was set to watch the youngster.

It is understood O'Connor was on the bench for saturdays home game with Tranmere but after being late for a pre-match team meeting, he was then omitted from the 16.

Gudjon Thordarson told The Sentinel: "He (O'Connor) wasn't selected. I can only select 16 players for every game, 11 to start, and he has to show me a reason to pick him,"

Crewe fans will be looking on hoping O'Connor can earn his place back in the side after being a star performer in a poor season for Crewe. After producing one of the best moments for Crewe fans over the last few seasons when he scored the equalizer at Anfield this season, Crewe fans will be hoping O'Connor doesn't fall the same way as Gary Roberts, who never lived up to his potential at Gresty Road.

Full N.Ireland Squad :


Goalkeepers: Taylor (Birmingham City), Mannus (Linfield), Tuffey (Partick Thistle),

Defenders: Baird (Fulham), Evans (Manchester Utd), Craigan (Motherwell), Hughes (Fulham), McCartney (Sunderland), McAuley (Ipswich Town), McGivern (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Davis (Rangers), McCann (Scunthorpe United), Brunt (West Bromwich Albion), McGinn (Celtic), Clingan (Norwich City), Johnson (Birmingham City), McCourt (Celtic), Shiels (Doncaster).

Forwards: Healy (Sunderland), Feeney (Cardiff City - on loan at Dundee Utd), Paterson (Burnley), Lafferty

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