NI striker David Healy omitted from N Ireland squad
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Nigel Worthington says the door is still open to David Healy despite the striker's omission for the friendly against Morocco at Windsor Park
Record goalscorer David Healy has been left out of the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming friendly international against Morocco at Windsor Park.
Sunderland striker Healy commenced a one-month loan deal to Doncaster Rovers last week and scored on his debut in a 2-1 win over Millwall on Saturday.
The 31-year-old has been involved in every Northern Ireland squad, when available, since his debut in 2000.
He has won 84 caps and scored 35 goals, but has no goals in the last two years.
Healy has made fewer than two dozen appearances in a two-year spell at Sunderland, having previously struggled to repeat his international form at club level.
"I spoke to David last week to explain my thinking and obviously he was disappointed," said Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington.
"What David has achieved over many years for Northern Ireland is fantastic and the door is still wide open for him.
"It is a case of him hopefully getting some first-team football and scoring some goals in the next few months.
"I want him to focus and concentrate on that and hopefully he will get back to where he was.
"A friendly match gives us the opportunity to look at some players who have been on the fringes and give them some game time."
Burnley striker Martin Paterson is also an absentee from the 20-man panel, despite scoring twice against Norwich City on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Maik Taylor is named in Worthington's squad but is doubtful with a shoulder injury.
Celtic winger Pat McCourt is again included, having been recalled for the recent Euro 2012 qualifiers against Italy and the Faroe Islands.
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