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Mannus not taking up place in Northern Ireland squad.
Shamrock Rovers have contacted the Irish Football Association to confirm that Hoops goalkeeper, Alan Mannus will not travel with the Northern Ireland squad on their upcoming American tour.
After discussions between Mannus, Hoops boss, Michael O’Neill and Northern Ireland manager, Nigel Worthington, Mannus has decided not to take up his place in the squad.
Northern Ireland will take on Turkey in Connecticut on May 26, and then travel to Chile for a game on May 30. While the Hoops are due to face Bohemians in the Airtricity League on May 29, and Derry City in the EA Sports Cup on June 1.
O’Neill said: “I feel sympathy for Alan at having to miss this opportunity; however he did not want to miss any Rovers games, particularly at this stage of the season. He has been in fantastic form this season and I am sure he will be included in future Northern Ireland squads.”
Mannus added: “Although I am disappointed to miss out on the tour, my priority at this time is with my club. I look forward to being included in future Northern Ireland squads.”
He replaces ex-Blues keeper Alan Mannus who has important games with his club Shamrock Rovers who are in the middle of their League of Ireland campaign.
"I feel sorry for Alan at missing this opportunity," Rovers boss Michael O'Neill told the club's website.
"However, he did not want to miss any Rovers games, particularly at this stage of the season.
"He has been in fantastic form this season and I am sure he will be included in future Northern Ireland squads."
The uncapped Michael McGovern of Ross County is the other keeper in the Northern Ireland panel for the matches against Turkey in Connecticut on 26 May and against Chile in Chillan four days later.
The two games will be followed by a friendly away to Montenegro on 11 August as Northern Ireland complete their preparations for the 2012 European qualifiers