McIlroy glad to welcome back Taggart and Quinn

The Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy is delighted to welcome back Gerry Taggart following the Leicester centre-half's recovery from his latest injury. Taggart, who has not played for the Irish because of a serious knee problem since winning his 50th cap against Norway in February 2001, has been named in the squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Cyprus.

He played for Leicester on Saturday and the 31-year-old's comeback is welcome news for McIlroy after Jim Magilton announced his international retirement during the summer.

McIlroy said: "Gerry seems to have had problems during all my time as manager, but he played all the game on Saturday and he'll be coming over. It's great to have him back and with Jim retiring you want your experienced people like Gerry in the team."

Neil Lennon is in the squad and managed only one substitute appearance for the Irish last season because of a persistent knee injury. The Celtic midfielder had an operation in the summer and is finally fully fit.

James Quinn, who is now with the Dutch side Willem II Tilburg, also returns to the squad. The striker's last appearance for the Irish was against Malta in October.

McIlroy hopes the move from West Bromwich will reinvigorate Quinn, who has been on the fringes of the team for several years. "Hopefully that move will give him a bit of confidence and help raise him again," he said. "There's something in there with big Quinny and if he's playing well he could be very good for us."

Captain Steve Lomas also returns after missing the last match against Spain because of his sending off against Liechtenstein in the previous game. Next Wednesday's game at Windsor Park will be Northern Ireland's final match before the beginning of their Euro 2004 qualifiers in October.