Source: Team_Talk
Hughes hails McCourt quality
Aaron Hughes has likened Pat McCourt to George Best and Lionel Messi ahead of Northern Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroe Islands.[LNB] While Hughes acknowledges the comparison to Best and Messi is a lofty one, he believes the 27-year-old has some of the same magic that marks out the game's most creative players.[LNB]Despite his undeniable flair, McCourt's relaxed approach means he is not always a fixture for Celtic, while Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington has frequently preferred more disciplined, hard-working players in his favoured 4-5-1 formation.[LNB]But, having been held to a 1-1 draw against Euro 2012 qualifying Group C's lowest-ranked side in the away fixture, Worthington is expected to place a greater emphasis on breaking down a defensively-minded Faroes side at Windsor Park.[LNB]Hughes, for one, believes McCourt is the man to open the floodgates.[LNB]"I've been impressed by Paddy (in training), but I'm always impressed with Paddy," he said.[LNB]"He makes things look so easy. It's a big comparison but you look at players like George Best and (Lionel) Messi and then you look at Paddy and for some reason he makes it look that easy.[LNB]"He's so laidback too - it's his manner. He can go from walking pace to exploding past someone in a second and that's a very good skill to have.[LNB]"His feet and his ball control are fantastic. He certainly brings some quality to our side and hopefully if we have him in the team then we can win."[LNB]Worthington knows his team's supporters will be hoping for a big scoreline, with the Faroes having conceded five goals on two occasions in Group C.[LNB]But his focus is firmly on ensuring a vital three points rather than contemplating a glut of chances.[LNB]"Patience, discipline and shape are important," he said. "You've got 90, 95 minutes to win the game but it has to be a controlled, disciplined performance. I think the term 'whipping boys' is disrespectful. Until the final whistle goes and you have the win in the bag then nothing is guaranteed."[LNB]Faroes boss Brian Kerr, meanwhile, has offered his support to the Irish Football Association in their bid to buck the growing trend of young players switching their allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.[LNB]Former Northern Ireland Under-21 James McClean rejected a call-up for this fixture after declaring his allegiance to the Republic - following the likes of Darron Gibson, Dan Devine, Marc Wilson and Shane Duffy.[LNB]As a former Republic manager himself, Kerr is uneasy with the trend.[LNB]"It's not a good situation. I hope it will change," he said.[LNB]"It doesn't seem right and it doesn't sit right with me.[LNB]"I sympathise with the IFA because when you invest so much time, energy, money and coaching in players, to see them leave at 21 and 22 must be quite disheartening."
