YORK City goalkeeper Alan Fettis has been put on stand-by for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying matches against Denmark and Iceland next month.

Manager Sammy McIlroy wants Fettis as cover for his two selected 'keepers for the games against Denmark on September 1 in Copenhagen and against Iceland on September 5 at Windsor Park, Belfast.

Fettis will only be drafted into the squad should new Manchester United signing Roy Carroll, McIlroy's first choice shot-stopper, and Fulham's number two, Maik Taylor, withdraw through injury.

Should Fettis, who was also put on Northern Ireland standby at the end of last season, be called up he would be ineligible for City's games at Shrewsbury on August 28 and the home game with Halifax on September 1.

Updated: 14:36 Thursday, August 16, 2001