McCartney did a lot of soul searching before travelling

Sunderland's George McCartney has changed his mind and WILL travel with the Northern Ireland squad for Tuesday evening's friendly with Italy.

The 22-year-old Belfast-born defender originally withdrew on Saturday from the trip to Campobasso due to a family illness.

However, Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy received a boost when McCartney met up with the squad at Heathrow on Sunday.

McCartney explained that he did not change his mind without a lot of thought.

''It was a difficult decision, and a lot of soul searching had gone into my decision to travel,'' said McCartney capped nine times at senior level.

''But in the end I thought it would be better to make the trip.''

The match is being used as a warm-up game in preparation for the Euro 2004 qualifier against Spain on 11 June at Windsor Park.