Portsmouth man Paddy Lane right to refuse NI call-up amid O’Neill fury, says BBC broadcaster
Portsmouth winger Paddy Lane is entitled to snub his recent call-up to the Northern Ireland squad, argues BBC Radio Solent’s Andrew Moon.
Moon posted on X [21 May] to point out that Lane is amongst those in the EFL who are at least halfway through their summer breaks when Michael O’Neill’s side head out to a Spanish training camp to face Spain and Andorra in international friendlies.
Lane played a huge part in a historic season for Portsmouth, scoring 12 goals in 42 games as John Mousinho’s men soared into the Championship as League One champions, and the Blues are anticipated in some quarters to continue their momentum next term.
Moon wrote: “Completely understand Paddy Lane’s reluctance to be in the Northern Ireland squad.
“Two matches bang in the middle of a much-needed break is not ideal. It’s a problem for EFL internationals.”
O’Neill anger at Portsmouth man Lane
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill didn’t hold back in his frustration with Lane this week, claiming veteran players in similar positions were only too eager to join up with the squad.
O’Neill told the Belfast Telegraph on 20 May: “I only had one player, Paddy Lane, who said he felt he’d benefit from not being involved. Jonny Evans, Corry Evans and Josh Magennis were keen to come and help the team.
“My argument to that was ‘Well, that won’t benefit you going forward because you need to commit to international football.’
“I understand [demands on players] – but if we were preparing to go to the Euro finals in Germany we wouldn’t be discussing this.”
O’Neill does make an interesting point regarding major tournaments, but then Lane has only played twice and has found opportunities limited when away in his nation’s camps and evidently feels the break would benefit him further ahead of next season.
In other Portsmouth news, the club are mooted to sign a former teammate of manager Mousinho.
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