Blades star in the dock

Trouble flared on board the flight home after Wednesday's match which saw the Sheffield United winger score a last-minute own goal as the province slumped to a 2-1 defeat.

Irish Football Association chief executive Howard Wells, who returned separately from the squad, pledged to deal with the incident immediately and will speak with several players including Gillespie and West Ham defender George McCartney.

Players were taking their seats on the 0740 Icelandair flight to London Heathrow when the alleged fight broke out.

Punches were thrown before other squad members quickly intervened to calm the situation, according to witnesses.

Cabin crew reported the incident to Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington before the plane took off.

One national newspaper today quoted a passenger on the aircraft saying: "McCartney and Gillespie had words before they boarded the aircraft, apparently over a trivial matter of a passport. The argument continued on the plane and punches were thrown. I couldn't believe what was happening. Normally the spirit is exceptionally good in the Northern Ireland camp. It was a crazy minute and a half."

Blades boss Bryan Robson, who suggested that international committments had affected Gillespie's club form, was also expected to speak to his player when United reported for training today.

Meanwhile, Robson is ready to wield the axe for tomorrow's crucial Championship fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers after demanding improved levels of application from his players.

Revealing a day of soul-searching had been prescribed at Shirecliffe in the aftermath of the 3-2 defeat at Scunthorpe earlier this month, the Sheffield United manager described the visit of Mick McCarthy's side as a perfect opportunity to right the wrongs of Glanford Park.

But citing a lack of determination as the prime factor behind what he hopes will mark the lowest point of United's season, Robson issued a warning that,under his regime players will be held accountable for their actions.

The break for international fixtures means United have had nearly a fortnight to reflect on a chequered start to the new season.

Robson said: "The problem (at Scunthorpe) wasn't form or quality, it was a lack of competitiveness in the first half.

"Ideally you want to get straight back out there after a result like that but at least we've had time to work on some things and I think Wolves is the best type of game we could have now.

"They're one of the big teams, like us, who are tipped to be right up there."

Indicating that Danny Webber, who stepped off the bench to score twice against Scunthorpe, would start, Robson added: "We had a talk and the boys were honest in holding up their hands and admitting they'd let the supporters down."