Sanchez makes mark

Lawrie Sanchez is taking a tough stance in club-versus-country issues after being appointed Northern Ireland manager.

Sanchez refused a request from Glentoran to release striker Andy Smith for their Irish Cup replay against Loughgall tonight. He wants Smith to concentrate on tomorrow's friendly against Norway in Belfast. It is far from certain Sanchez will agree to Norwich manager Nigel Worthington's plea to limit Phil Mulryne and Paul McVeigh 45 minutes' action.

Sanchez is happy to compromise but issued a warning. 'I will be sensible but is up to me how I use the players,' he said. 'It's important that all players are committed. I will look unfavourably at people that can't be bothered to turn up for friendlies.'

The Irish are hoping to mark Sanchez's debut with a goal. They have failed to score for 1,242 minutes.