Northern Ireland last night named Sammy McIlroy as their new national team manager.

McIlroy has stepped down as manager of Third Division Macclesfield to take up his new post on a full-time basis, being awarded a two-year contract.

The Belfast-born 45-year-old, who won 88 caps, for his country, succeeds Lawrie McMenemy whose contract expired on November 30th.

Irish Football Association general secretary, David Bowen, confirmed McIlroy as the "unanimous" choice.

"The decision of the committee was unanimous once the members had been advised by the president and general secretary of the available options following many weeks of intensive research," said Bowen.

Meanwhile, Diego Maradona has been admitted to intensive care in Uruguay suffering from heart problems. Frank Torres, a doctor at the private clinic in Punta Del Este, confirmed the 39-year-old former Argentina captain, who steered his country to victory in the 1986 World Cup, entered the clinic.

"He was suffering from a hypertension attack with ventricular arrhythmia, complicated by the fact he already had high blood pressure," said Torres.

Torres added: "He is under observation and no complications are expected meaning he should only have a short stay in the clinic."

When asked if the problems were brought about by a drug overdose, Torres refused to confirm or deny, answering only: "The hypertension problems could have many different causes."

Manchester United are digging up the Old Trafford pitch yet again. The bulldozers move in today to tear up the troublesome surface and ground staff will replace the whole playing area.