McIlroy hands armband to experienced Lennon

The Northern Ireland manager, Sammy McIlroy, is calling on Neil Lennon to run the show in the friendly against Cyprus at Windsor Park tonight.

The 31-year-old Celtic midfielder has been handed the captain's armband in the absence of Steve Lomas and Gerry Taggart, who have withdrawn from the squad through injury. Although Lennon is working his way back to full fitness after knee surgery in the summer, McIlroy is convinced he is the man for the job.

"He is the second most capped player in the current squad," McIlroy said. "Neil is a leader; he has been captain for Celtic as well. It's a good honour for him. I hope he enjoys it and that his performance rubs off on the rest of the lads."

Being handed the captaincy is a high point for Lennon, who was jeered by a section of the Irish supporters a year ago after he joined Celtic. That was in the match against Norway, although in the following home game with the Czech Republic he was given a warm reception by the majority of the fans. "It was difficult for me at the time but I have put it all behind me," Lennon said. "This is a nice way to start the season by being named captain."

NORTHERN IRELAND (probable): Taylor (Fulham); Griffin (Dundee United), Williams (Wimbledon), Murdock (Preston), McCartney (Sunderland); Johnson (Birmingham), Lennon (Celtic), Horlock (Man City), Gillespie (Blackburn); Healy (Preston), Quinn (Willem II).