Jones joins Clarets international group

Last updated : 05 May 2006 By Tony Scholes

Michael Duff - one of four Clarets called up for international duty
Northern Ireland are treading the same path that England trod a year ago and will play two games out in the States, and both Jones and Duff will be hoping to be in the side as they firstly play Uruguay at the Giants Stadium in New Jersey two weeks on Sunday and then five days later they move to Soldier Field in Chicago where the opposition will be Romania.

Both are now established members of Lawrie Sanchez' squad and will be hoping to add to their current caps with Jones admitting that he's looking forward to pitting his wits against two strong teams.

Before they jet off over the Atlantic, young striker Kyle Lafferty will be in action again for the Northern Ireland Under-21s. He made his debut at this level back in February in a 1-0 win against Wales at Llanelli and will be hoping to add a second cap after being called up for the squad that will play Liechtenstein in a European qualifier at Windsor Park Belfast next Wednesday.

Burnley's Young Player of the Year Chris McCann hasn't missed out either, and he's in the Republic of Ireland Under-19 squad that will be playing three games in Slovakia against the host country, Turkey and Georgia. The first of these games will be played two weeks today.

Best wishes to all four of them as they go off to represent their countries – it is good to see the name Burnley mentioned in international squads.