Sammy McIlroy is anxious to see an end to the furore that breaks out ahead of international friendlies. A number of leading managers are known to be firmly against these matches at such a crucial stage of the season.

McIlroy's Northern Ireland side are back in action tomorrow when they face Finland in a warm-up match for the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Armenia and Greece.

He believes FIFA have to take a stance. "If we don't have friendly games, what do we do," he said.

"To prepare for important games you have got to do something. If you have get-togethers instead of friendlies are they going to be beneficial?

"I don't understand how you are going to resolve this situation but it has to be resolved. When are we supposed to have a game?"

McIlroy's squad linked up yesterday with uncapped Crewe midfielder Steve Jones added to the pool after Kevin Horlock's absence with a swollen knee. Horlock was the fourth player to withdraw from the party with Colin Murdock, Gerry Taggart and Phil Mulryne already sidelined.

Midfielder Michael Hughes, who is involved in a bitter contractual dispute involving Wimbledon and Birmingham, has rejected McIlroy's offer of joining the squad to train as he has an ankle injury.