McCann debut ends in disaster

WEST HAM defender Grant McCann's full international debut ended in disaster as he suffered a serious knee injury in Northern Ireland's draw with Liechtenstein.

The 21-year-old was stretchered off during the goalless draw with damaged medial ligaments and he is set to be out of action for five weeks.

It was a bitter blow for McCann who was making his full debut after two caps as a subsitute, and he was forced to leave on crutches meaning he is set to miss the rest of the season.

Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy admitted it was a major blow for the player.

"It looks bad. He's got a medial ligaments injury, which is a shame for the boy on his full debut," said McIlroy.

"His knee has swollen up and he's had to leave the ground on crutches. He got it in a blocked tackle and that's just one of those things.

"We've examined him and it looks like he will be out for four to five weeks.

"It's a real shame because I thought the boy did well and he got a lot of the ball."