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Nigel Worthington, Shane Ferguson disagree over failed Northern Ireland call-up

Worthington, Ferguson clash over call-up
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Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington criticises Newcastle's Shane Ferguson for failing to respond to a late Euro 2012 call-up.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington has complained about Newcastle defender Shane Ferguson's failure to answer an international call-up.

The 20-year-old was given the opportunity to add to his one cap for the senior team against Estonia in the Euro 2012 qualifier, but failed to answer calls.

Since then the former Norwich City manager has vented his frustrations at not being able to get in touch with the Premier League player.

"It's beggars belief when you read in the press that people want to represent their country and when you give them the opportunity to do so there's no willingness, or manners, to say 'no I don't want to be involved' or 'Yes, I'm coming'," Worthington said.

"I can only do what I've done. People at the Irish Football Association have done what they do and we can't do any more. We can't put hands on and literally drag people in."

Meanwhile, the young defender has had his say on the matter via his Twitter account, stating: "Some of these comments make me [laugh]. There's two sides to every story, that's all I'm saying."

Ferguson was originally drafted to replace Manchester United's injured Jonny Evans in the back four.

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