Football: Taylor in Northern Ireland squad

THE Fulham goalkeeper Maik Taylor is Lawrie McMenemy's latest discovery for Northern Ireland. The German-born Taylor qualifies for any of the home nations as a British passport holder, and McMenemy, the Northern Ireland manager, has named him in his squad to face Switzerland at Windsor Park on 22 April.

McMenemy, formerly director of football at Southampton, knows the 26- year-old ex-Saints goalkeeper well from the time they both spent together at The Dell last season.

The Fulham manager, Kevin Keegan, tipped McMenemy off about Taylor's eligibility, and he has also been included as an over-age player in the Under-21 squad who play Switzerland the night before the senior game.

The Birmingham forward Dele Adebola has turned down the chance to play in the friendly. Adebola, who also qualifies for Northern Ireland as a British passport holder, could play for Nigeria - where he was born - and wants more time to think about his international career before deciding which nation to opt for. He said: "I don't want to be in the Northern Ireland squad at the minute because I've not decided what to do yet. There's a lot going on in my life right now, and I just think it's best if I take a step back and think about everything."

The Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock returns to the squad following his recovery from ligament damage.

Wolves' manager, Mark McGhee, has been assured that his job is safe at Molineux. McGhee's future had attracted speculation after Wolves FA Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal last Sunday was followed by defeat at Charlton which has virtually ruled out their play-off hopes. But Wolves' managing director, John Richards, has told McGhee that his position is secure. He said: "I hope that I can put this matter to bed once and for all. Mark McGhee will be managing the club next season."

McGhee still has more than a year left on his contract at Molineux, having joined Wolves in December 1995 from Leicester.

Preston have parted company with French striker Habib Sissoko less than two months after his arrival at the club. Sissoko was suspended following an incident against Wigan on 28 March and he later claimed that he had been racially abused by a team-mate after the game. But after an investigation by the club the former Louhans-Cuiseaux forward has revealed that, in fact, there had been no incidents of racial abuse against him. The 26- year-old's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.