INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Italy v Northern Ireland
Venue: Pisa Date: Saturday, 6 June Kick-off: 1950 BST Coverage: Live on BBC 2 NI, updates on BBC Sport website

Robert Garrett, Colin Coates and Martin Donnelly are in the NI squad

Linfield midfielder Robert Garrett left Belfast for Italy on Wednesday vowing to make the most of a dream Northern Ireland call-up.

Garrett is one of five Irish League men included in an hugely understrength panel for Saturday's friendly in Pisa.

Most of Northern Ireland's regular squad members are on holiday leaving Nigel Worthington badly shorthanded.

"When I got the call, my holiday plans went out the window. You never think of getting this chance," said Garrett.

"It speaks highly of the Irish League. The manager is looking at the league and it is brilliant for the players.

"I just hope to get into the manager's thoughts and he a pain in his side when he is picking his next panel."

Two of the five Irish League players in the squad - defender Colin Coates and midfielder Martin Donnelly - are from Irish Cup winners Crusaders.

They departed for Pisa with a rich endorsement from club manager Stephen Baxter ringing in their ears.

"Colin has been with his since he was 15 and is getting stronger all the time," said Baxter.

"He is very quick over the ground, aggressive in the air and has a bright future.

"He can go on and do well if he knuckles down and works hard. He has all the qualities you look for in a good centre-half.

"Martin's left foot could open a can of peas. He delivers a wonderful ball and is a tremendous talent.

"He oozes a bit of class and I am sure he will flourish in the game. There is interest in him which is not surprising but he recently signed a two-year contract and seems happy with us."

The other Irish League men in the squad are Coleraine winger Stephen Carson and Linfield's out-of-contract goalkeeper Alan Mannus.

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