Bootless Hughes sits out

Tuesday 15 October 2002 00:00 BST

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Michael Hughes could only look on as his Northern Ireland team-mates went training yesterday. The Wimbledon midfielder was not injured or ill. He just did not have any boots to wear. Like the rest of his kit, they went missing on the flight from Valencia to Belfast via London on Sunday.

The bags and his boots are expected to arrive in time for the next training session today, 24 hours before the Euro 2004 qualifier against Ukraine at Windsor Park.

Options for the Northern Ireland manager, Sammy McIlroy, have been limited by the withdrawal of Gerry Taggart. The Leicester defender has joined the injured list after suffering a hamstring problem against Spain. Southampton's Chris Baird has been drafted in from the Under-21s as cover.

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