International Blues

Last updated : 27 March 2008 By Brian Cartlidge
Northern Ireland: Maik Taylor & Damien Johnson


Blues keeper Maik Taylor and midfielder Damien Johnson both started in the Northern Ireland side who beat Georgia 4-1 at Windsor Park.

Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty bagged a brace and David Healy added another to give the Irish a 3-0 half time lead.

The visitors pulled a goal back ten minutes into the second period. Taylor saved a penalty but David Healy inadvertently hit the rebound into the unguarded net.

Linfield striker Peter Thompson made it 4-1 to Northern Ireland three minutes from time.

Taylor completed the full ninety minutes for Nigel Worthington's side whilst midfielder Johnson was substituted at half time in Belfast.




Sweden: Sebastian Larsson

Blues winger Seb Larsson was named in the starting line up for Sweden's international match against Brazil at The Emirates Stadium.

Larsson played for 80 minutes of the game which Brazil won 1-0.

Brazilian debutant Alexandre Pato scored the only goal of the game.


Finland: Mikael Forssell

Mikael Forssell was in the Finland side which lost to hosts Bulgaria.

Fulham striker Jari Litmanen gave the visitors a 22nd minute lead from the penalty spot but the Bulgarians levelled matters three minutes into the second half through Zdravko Lazarov.

Stanislav Genchev gave the hosts a 2-1 victory in added time.



Scotland: Garry O'Connor

Garry O'Connor was an unused substitute in Scotlands 1-1 home draw against Croatia at Hampden Park.

Niko Kranjcar gave Croatia the lead after just ten minutes but Kenny Miller levelled matters 15 minutes before the half time interval.