Carroll withdraws from NI squad
Rangers goalkeeper Roy Carroll has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers away to Latvia and Iceland.
Carroll made his decision after talking to manager Nigel Worthington as he wants to work on rekindling his club career at Ibrox.
Celtic's Michael McGovern has been drafted into the squad while Carroll will remain on standby.
Maik Taylor and Alan Mannus are the other goalkeepers in the squad.
Taylor has consistently been first choice between the posts in recent years, meaning that Carroll's starting opportunities for his country have been limited.
Worthington drafted full-back Tony Kane into his squad at the weekend.
The 22-year-old Blackburn Rovers player has decided to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to the country of his birth.
Kane has played in two U21 friendlies for the Republic.
"I was extremely encouraged by the response of Tony to our invitation to join the squad," said Worthington.
Kane represented the Republic after playing for Northern Ireland at U18 and U19 level.
Worthington has promoted the defender from the N Ireland U21 squad.
Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes has been ruled out of the qualifier against Latvia in Riga on Saturday.
The Fulham defender is aiming to be fit to return for the game against Iceland four days later.
Hughes missed the recent 3-1 win over Liechtenstein with a knee injury from which he has yet to fully recover.
