YORK City's Northern Ireland internationals Alan Fettis and Darren Patterson will be packing notebook and pen should they earn a call-up to Sammy McIlroy's squad.

As reported in the Evening Press this week, McIlroy was a notable face in the crowd on Boxing Day when Fettis and Patterson guided the Minstermen to a 1-0 win over the Silkmen.

Whether McIlroy was their to cast his eye over the City duo or was merely at Moss Rose in his capacity as life-president of the club he took from the Conference to Division Two remains to be seen.

But with Northern Ireland's prospects of arranging a friendly at Windsor Park on February 28, an international free date, now seemingly remote, McIlroy has indicated he is planning a 'seminar' for players instead.

McIlroy, shortly to celebrate his first year as manager, plans a two-day get-together in either Manchester or Lilleshall.

Not that it will just be all over-head projectors and team talks - a game behind closed doors against a Premiership side is also planned.

While Fettis and Patterson may or may not be included, former Minsterman Jon McCarthy is sure to be invited.

The Birmingham City winger is targeting a February return having suffered two broken legs, and McIlroy has revealed he has stayed in constant touch with the ex-Bootham Crescent favourite during his prolonged stay on the sidelines.

"I would like (McCarthy) to be around just to feel part of the family," he explained.skipper.