Northern Ireland Caribbean tour to go ahead without Jamaica

Friday, March 26, 2004

BELFAST, N. Ireland: The CONCACAF Football Federation has announced that Northern Ireland will be going to the Caribbean for a summer tour after all.

The tour had been in doubt after Jamaica pulled out of the original three-match series, but according to the official CONCACAF website, Barbados have stepped in and will now play Lawrie Sanchez's side in late May.

The website states: "The Caribbean Football Union President Jack Warner has been able to confirm the three matches and also secure Barbados as a replacement for Jamaica who have opted for an England training camp in late May.

"Northern Ireland begin the Caribbean tour on 30 May in Barbados, and then visit St. Kitts & Nevis on 2 June. The Irish squad concludes the tour with an encounter against Trinidad & Tobago on 6 June."

Northern Ireland set a European record for the longest goalless run in a disastrous Euro 2004 qualifying campaign. The tour will help new manager Lawrie Sanchez prepare for 2006 World Cup qualifiers starting in September.

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