Belgium manager Advocaat rejects N. Ireland friendly

(GSM) – Belgium manager Dick Advocaat has rejected the possibility of playing a friendly with Northern Ireland as the Dutchman supposedly wants tougher opposition.

The Belgian FA (KBVB) and Northern Ireland had been discussing a friendly while Advocaat was reportedly under the impression that it concerned Ireland Republic, rather than their northern neighbours.

“We spoke with Northern Ireland and there was the possibility to play a friendly,” said KBVB Chairman Jean-Marie Philips.

“Our coach was then brought up to date, but communication went wrong. Advocaat thought we meant Ireland. When in an e-mail he read that it concerned Northern Ireland, he informed us that he preferred stronger opponents.”

According to media reports, Belgium have already found a replacement and face Croatia in a March 3 encounter.