Michael O’Neill unperturbed by Kerzhakov snub

NORTHERN Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has declined to get involved in a war of words with his side’s Russian hosts ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifier in Moscow.

Asked about the tie by local journalists, Russia striker Alexander Kerzhakov reportedly said he had only recently been informed of Northern Ireland’s existence.

Meanwhile Russia’s new manager, former England boss Fabio Capello gave only sketchy details when asked to assess O’Neill’s side and has decided to go into the match with only two fit forwards.

O’Neill refuses to let the issue vex him. He said: “It doesn’t concern me. Our focus is solely on ourselves and how we prepare and perform on the night.

“I believe Kerzhakov has played in Spain so hopefully his geography is a little bit better than that. I would assume most of the Russian players will have heard of Northern Ireland, but it doesn’t concern me at all.

“We’ve done a lot of research on Russia and we’re comfortable with where we are as a side.”