SAMMY McIlroy intends to jet across the Irish Sea to keep an eye on Craig Stanley when the inspirational midfielder leads the England National Game XI against Northern Ireland tonight.

Stanley takes to the field for England in the match at Glenavon with McIlroy keeping his fingers crossed that another injury doesn't hit his Morecambe squad.

With Michael Twiss out for the season and Adam Yates, who was in the squad before injury struck, Chris Blackburn and Fraser McLachlan lengthy absentees, McIlroy cannot afford any more blows.

"I just hope Craig comes through," says the Christie Park chief. "But I will have a word with him before he plays because the last thing I want is for him to be pulling out of challenges - that's when you get hurt."

McIlroy will naturally be hoping for a win for the Irish - and is also keen to see what talent is on offer.

"It's good to go to games like this," he adds. "You see some different players and some of them may be available."