EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP/Northern Ireland v Greece: Defiant Sammy McIlroy has vowed to continue as Northern Ireland manager. He takes his side into action against Greece tonight at Windsor Park (8.0), insisting their luck will turn.

The Irish have gone 702 minutes without scoring and McIlroy faced a barrage of criticism following the defeat by Armenia at the weekend.

After winning 88 caps as a player, he has been stung by some of the barbs. But he said: "I am seeing the job through, definitely. I am not thinking about anything else.

"When I played for my country I did my best and I am doing my best now as manager. I am sick as everyone. No one is trying harder than myself, my staff and the players.

"We all want to turn it around. If I couldn't see a light, I would be worried. But I can see a light and I know these boys will come through.

"Our football in the first half against Armenia was one of our best displays in a long time."

The Irish have been left short of numbers following the retirement of players like Kevin Horlock, Neil Lennon and Jim Magilton. Gerry Taggart and goalkeeper Roy Carroll also asked to be excused from the current squad because of personal reasons.

The absence of a number of senior personnel led to an extraordinary attack in the Belfast Newsletter by IFA president Jim Boyce.

He said: "I am very annoyed and disappointed at what appears to be a lack of interest by certain players crying off on a regular basis. Any player should be so proud - 100 per cent proud - to wear the shirt of his country. Indeed I have to question their loyalty."

McIlroy, however, has been given a triple fitness boost ahead of the game against Greece. Captain Steve Lomas (knee), midfielder Paul McVeigh (hamstring) and David Healy (heel) all trained yesterday.