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"Gareth McAuley is playing well for Lincoln City and I am planning on coming to see him soon. All I would say to Gareth is that playing international football is a massive step up from where he is now. It's my aim to have a look at every player, outside the Premiership, eligible to play for Northern Ireland, and I'll try to do that before our next match in February."
That will of course spell bad news for fellow Ireland hopeful Andy Kirk. It is Kirk that Sanchez will be watching closest having seen him in action during the 2-1 defeat at Northampton, but Morgs and McAuley will hoping to shackle the big target man and impress Sanchez into the process. McAuley is currently out with a calf strain and will be hoping for a quick recovery as not to miss his golden chance to impress.
However barring an injury to any two from Nathan Peat, Peter Gain and Richard Butcher it is unlikely that capped Ciaran Toner will get a chance to impress. Toner appeared for Northen Ireland in two games against Italy and Spain a year or so back, but he has fallen down the pecking order at City whilst we employ just a two man midfield. Even injuries to two of the stars may mean Toner gets only a sub bench spot as Gary Taylor-Fletcher can be operated as a midfielder.
The Boxing Day clash certainly promises to be a cracker. With City rampant on their travels and the Pilgrims York Street having been turned into a veritable fortress it seems neither sides will expect to lose the game. Something has to give in a game that could make or break players international careers.