David Healy has been left out of the Northern Ireland team for Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Spain in Albacete.

The Preston striker, who has started in all of Sammy McIlroy's 19 games in charge, appears to have paid for a disappointing start to his club season.

Healy has been struggling to hold down a first team place at Preston.

Instead, Sammy McIlroy has opted to employ Blackburn winger Keith Gillespie as a lone striker against the Spanish with Norwich's Paul McVeigh set to operate in midfield.

As expected, Michael Hughes also pays for his lack of first team activity this season with him having to be content with a place on the bench.

Instead, Damian Johnson and Kevin Horlock will operate on the midfield flanks for Northern Ireland.

Otherwise, the team is along expected lines with Steve Lomas and Gerry Taggart returning to the starting line-up after long absences caused by injury.

James Quinn will have no involvement in Saturday evening's match because of a virus so Ciaran Toner, who captained the under-21's on Friday evening, will sit on the bench.

Northern Ireland: Taylor, A Hughes, McCartney, Taggart, Murdock, Lomas (capt), Gillespie, Mulryne, Johnson, McVeigh, Horlock. Subs: Carroll, M Hughes, Healy, Kirk, McCann, Holmes, Toner.