NI team prepare for Wales in Futsal Home Nations opener
Jonny Michael's squad in England for annual showpiece
Northern Ireland’s futsal team are in England today to take part in the annual Home Nations Championships.
Jonny Michael’s 16-strong squad take on Wales tomorrow in the first of three games at St George’s Park.
They then face the hosts tomorrow followed by a final game against Scotland on Sunday.
Michael said the tournament was a “fantastic opportunity” to see how far they’d come as a squad.
“The players and backroom staff are excited about being involved in another Home Nations Championship this year,” he said.
“We are continuing to make great strides in our futsal journey and believe we are as competitive as we have ever been.”
And he appealed for GAWA support throughout.
"I hope that we can get some of the GAWA to St. George’s Park to get behind the boys and help them raise their performance,” he said.
“For those that can’t make the journey the games can be access via the BBC Red Button and the BBC Sport website.”
Meanwhile, since arriving yesterday (Thursday) the team have been put through their paces during a series of training sessions (see pix).
Northern Ireland futsal squad
Goalkeepers: Matthew McErlain (Sparta Belfast Futsal Club), Philip Irvine (World United Futsal Club)
Defenders: Adam Barr (Baku United Futsal Club), John Gibson (Banbridge Town Futsal Club), James Gould (Banbridge Town Futsal Club), Ryan Dabbs (Cardiff University Futsal Club)
Wingers: Scott Gunn (Durham Futsal Club), Craig Taylor (Banbridge Town Futsal Club), Danny Stapleton (Manchester Futsal Club), Jordan Wilson (Sparta Belfast Futsal Club), Conor Glenholmes (Wattcell Futsal Club), Josh Lowry (Sparta Belfast Futsal Club), Conor Kernohan (Bolton Futsal Club)
Forwards: Darius Roohi (E.D. Brunete Futsala), Connor Millar (Reading Royals Futsal Club), Chris Donnelly (Wattcell Futsal Club