Preston Duo’s Mixed International Outcomes

Ali McCann, representing Preston North End, contributed to Northern Ireland’s promotion to League B of the Nations League by securing victory in Group C3. McCann participated in both matches, playing the entire game in central midfield during their 2-0 home win against Belarus and being substituted after 76 minutes in the 2-2 draw in Luxembourg. Meanwhile, his Preston team-mate Stefan Teitur Thordarson made two appearances for Iceland, whose campaign concluded without securing a promotion play-off position in Group B4. Thordarson was on the field for 68 minutes in midfield during Iceland’s 2-0 win in Montenegro on Saturday and entered the match at half-time in their 4-1 loss to Wales on Tuesday night. A win for Iceland in Cardiff would have placed them second in their group, qualifying them for play-offs to advance to League A. Instead, they are now scheduled to compete in a play-off in March next year to decide their status, either remaining in League B or facing relegation to League C. Domestically, Preston currently sit 20th in the Championship standings and are set to host Derby County at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon, aiming to break a streak of five matches without a victory.