Former Northern Ireland skipper Michael Hughes has been left out of Sammy McIlroy's squad for the 12 February friendly against Finland.

McIlroy had been left with little option as Hughes' has not played this club football season due to a dispute between Birmingham and Wimbledon.

However, Hughes has been invited to come over the Belfast to train with the squad.

"I would have loved to have picked Michael in the squad as he is one of our more experienced players, but he hasn't played any matches," said the Irish boss.

"What I am definitely going to try and do is get him over for a couple of days' training with the players next week.

"The lad is on his knees with all this business still going on. He is very unhappy, but hopefully training with us will give him a boost".

Sammy McIlroy: Trying to boost Hughes

Defenders Mark Williams, Gerry Taggart and Peter Kennedy return after missing the European Championship 0-0 draw against Ukraine last October.

There is also a place for Jimmy Quinn, the former West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool striker who is now playing for Willem in Holland.

Partick Thistle defender Stephen Craigan is also included for the warm-up match ahead of the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Armenia and Greece.

Dundee United defender Danny Griffin is unavailable because of a back injury.

Ankle injury

Hughes' club career has been in limbo for nine months as he waits for the FA to resolve the dispute between Birmingham and Wimbledon.

Hughes joined Birmingham on loan in March 2002, believing he had an agreement on a permanent three-year deal if Birmnigham got promoted to the Premiership.

However, an ankle injury forced Hughes to return to Wimbledon after just three games for the St Andrew's club.

Birmingham then told him the three-year deal was no longer valid because he did not complete the loan spell.

That has left Hughes, 32 next week, without a club to train with since August and he has not received any pay from either club in that time.

Northern Ireland squad: goalkeepers - Taylor (Fulham), Carroll (Manchester United); defenders - McCartney (Sunderland), Williams (Wimbledon), Murdock (Preston NE), Hughes (Newcastle United), Taggart (Leicester City), Kennedy (Wigan Athletic), Craigan (Partick Thistle).

Midfielders - Damien Johnson (Birmingham City), Keith Gillespie (Blackburn Rovers), Horlock (Manchester City), Lomas (West Ham), Mulryne (Norwich); forwards - Healy (Preston NE), Quinn (Willem II), Kirk (Hearts), McVeigh (Norwich City), Elliott (Hull City).