HEALY WON'T BE RUSHED ON SUNDERLAND FUTURE

DAVID HEALY, who has found difficulty obtaining first team football at Sunderland, says he won't be rushed into a change of clubs - despite being dropped by Northern Ireland on Saturday.

The former Fulham striker has failed to nail down a first-team place with the Black Cats but the 30-year-old won't be making any hasty decisions.

Being on the bench was yet another bitter disappointment for Healy, his country's leading scorer with 35 goals in 78 internationals, who has made only three substitute appearances at Sunderland this season.

However, Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is sympathetic to Healy's dilemma, and an admirer of his predatory skills, loyalty and dedication.

But the Irish boss wants to see him playing regularly, preferably in the Premier League, to maintain the sharpness required for international football.

The forward has an iconic status with the Green and White Army of fans but has failed to score in his last nine internationals so Worthington used the opportunity against Serbia to see how Kyle Lafferty and Warren Feeney perform as a twin spearhead.

But Healy is adamant he will not be forced into leaving Sunderland, despite the setback.

Healy, frustrated at not scoring, something which is part of his way of life, particularly when wearing the green shirt, won't be rushed into moving clubs.

Hotels

"There are many points to consider. What happens will be best for me and my family," he said last week.

"People have asked 'Why don't you move?' and they say 'Oh, he is just staying for the money'.

"But that is not right. Yes, I would love to have more matches. I have moved my family three times in three years and it reaches a point when you don't want to take kids out of school, to find new places near friends. My life revolves around the family.

"Staying in hotels simply doesn't suit me."

Healy's cross channel career began at Manchester United followed by spells with Preston, Port Vale, Leeds United and Fulham. He scored a record 13 goals in the last European championship qualifying series - a feat recognised with an award from UEFA President Michel Platini.

His Sunderland contract has another 18 months to run. It's a big club, possesses Premier League status and he wants play his part at the Stadium of Light, even coming off the bench.

"I'm not saying I'm going to see it out by any means," he explained. "Whatever happens will come down to what I want.

"Come Januay, perhaps something will happen."

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