Ivan Sproule

International career Sproule was called into the Northern Ireland squad for the first time in September 2005, immediately after his hat-trick for Hibernian against Rangers. Sproule scored a goal on his first start for Northern Ireland, against Estonia on 1 March 2006. Sproule made a total of 11 appearances for Northern Ireland between 2005 and 2007.

Scottish and English career statistics

International caps Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first. International appearances and goals App Date Venue Opponent Result Goal Competition 1. 7 September 2005 Windsor Park, Belfast 1–0 0 2006 World Cup qualifier 2. 15 November 2005 Windsor Park, Belfast 1–1 0 Friendly 3. 1 March 2006 Windsor Park, Belfast 1–0 1 Friendly 4. 21 May 2006 Giants Stadium, New Jersey 0–1 0 Friendly 5. 26 May 2006 Soldier Field, Chicago 0–2 0 Friendly 6. 16 August 2006 Olympiastadion, Helsinki 2–1 0 Friendly 7. 6 February 2007 Windsor Park, Belfast 0–0 0 Friendly 8. 28 March 2007 Windsor Park, Belfast 2–1 0 Euro 2008 qualifier 9. 17 October 2007 Råsunda Stadium, Solna 1–1 0 Euro 2008 qualifier 10. 17 November 2007 Windsor Park, Belfast 2–1 0 Euro 2008 qualifier 11. 21 November 2007 Estadio Gran Canaria, Las Palmas 0–1 0 Euro 2008 qualifier

Personal life Sproule is married and has three sons. A second child was stillborn in November 2009, causing him to miss Bristol City's match against Nottingham Forest. City manager Gary Johnson dedicated their equalising goal in the match to Sproule, who had sent a message of support to his teammates. Johnson commented: