Football:P GERRY ARMSTRONG's column: You know it makes sense

I WAS very sorry to see that the Irish FA have had to pull the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad from the 2008 European Championships.

It does, however, make sound financial sense because they clearly haven't got the money.

The U21s was the only good thing to come out of Billy Hamilton and I being sacked because we had pushed so hard for it. Yes, Sammy McIlroy will suffer - and big time - because the lads just won't get that competitive international competition they need.

However, I hope the Irish FA reconsider the situation once they get their financial house in order.

The U21 set-up is just so vital to any national side, especially Northern Ireland as many of the youngsters are playing for big clubs in England and need to play in the big competitions.

The irony of all this is that they managed to earn their first win in 35 months a few weeks ago with a 3-1 European Championship win over Armenia.

Admittedly, Armenia are a poor side, but let's face it, victory was more than the senior squad got from their miserable afternoon.

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