0:00:23 > 0:00:27Welcome to Windsor Park for the latest instalment of Northern
0:00:27 > 0:00:37Ireland's European qualifying campaign. The feral island are the
0:00:37 > 0:00:37
0:00:37 > 0:00:42visitors, acting that has caused us problems in the past. Can Nigel
0:00:42 > 0:00:52Worthington's men get back on track and beat the minnows of world
0:00:52 > 0:00:57
0:00:57 > 0:01:04football tonight? Here is Jackie three points. Will David Heaney end
0:01:04 > 0:01:14his goal drought? Looking at Northern Ireland First, Nigel
0:01:14 > 0:01:39
0:01:39 > 0:01:49Worthington have decided on a 4, 4, nine of the players to stunt
0:01:49 > 0:02:04
0:02:04 > 0:02:14Northern Ireland into a draw for a Nigel Worthington. Just one
0:02:14 > 0:02:19
0:02:19 > 0:02:29win in a last 19. Brian Kerr is just over two years in the job. He
0:02:29 > 0:02:32
0:02:32 > 0:02:37has won just two other previous 16. Away we go. The draw in the Faroe
0:02:37 > 0:02:42Islands last October was a stunner for Northern Ireland. It was only
0:02:42 > 0:02:49our third home game of the group tonight, and three points is a must.
0:02:49 > 0:02:55There cannot be any slip-ups against a side who sits 112 in the
0:02:55 > 0:03:05world this evening. Anything less than three points, our
0:03:05 > 0:03:14
0:03:14 > 0:03:24qualification dreams will lie in Ireland down, and put them on the
0:03:24 > 0:03:34way to what the fans would love, a goal festival. Northern Ireland her
0:03:34 > 0:03:37
0:03:37 > 0:03:45big favourites with the bookmakers tonight's at 11-2 on. But,
0:03:45 > 0:03:55sometimes, as we know, football does not go the way you wanted. - -
0:03:55 > 0:04:06
0:04:06 > 0:04:16will just have the one man up, Johan Simun Edmundsson, with Joan
0:04:16 > 0:04:26
0:04:26 > 0:04:33so Steve Davis and Sammy Clingan are well advanced. Corey Evans was
0:04:33 > 0:04:42lurking in there. First touched therefore Jakup Mikkelsen, who will
0:04:42 > 0:04:47be 41 on Monday. He is a teacher and an MP, would you believe?! The
0:04:47 > 0:04:57Faroe Islands just as a population of 47,000 people. I have been told
0:04:57 > 0:05:08
0:05:08 > 0:05:13Ireland defence with Stephen Craigan missing. He has retired. A
0:05:13 > 0:05:19great servant, we will miss him. That was a nice play by Patrick
0:05:19 > 0:05:25McCourt, but just slightly too far for David Healy there. The men from
0:05:25 > 0:05:35Rangers and Celtic linking up. The idea was right from David Healy,
0:05:35 > 0:05:59
0:05:59 > 0:06:09just a bit too far. A bright start equaliser at the meeting between
0:06:09 > 0:06:20
0:06:20 > 0:06:30Gareth Macaulay has moved up as well. It is a corner. Good pressure.
0:06:30 > 0:06:54
0:06:54 > 0:06:59The crowd tonight is expected to be think it is this Kippur. His first
0:06:59 > 0:07:05international goal. Aaron Hughes, I thought he was never going to
0:07:05 > 0:07:15score! This is his 77th appearance. He is desperate to qualify for a
0:07:15 > 0:07:16
0:07:16 > 0:07:26major tournament, and he has put Northern Ireland on its way. What a
0:07:26 > 0:07:27
0:07:27 > 0:07:37moment for him! He will remember that. It was in off the post. He
0:07:37 > 0:07:38
0:07:38 > 0:08:48Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
0:08:48 > 0:08:56against Northern Ireland the last tonight, it could be their 100 coal
0:08:56 > 0:09:06in European Championships. If Northern Ireland scored four, we
0:09:06 > 0:09:32
0:09:32 > 0:09:42would be up to 600 goals. It all toe on it. It was a good block, to
0:09:42 > 0:09:50give the defender credit. Patrick McCourt started it all. Lovely
0:09:50 > 0:10:00little bald there. David Healy just couldn't get it through. Fordi
0:10:00 > 0:10:00
0:10:00 > 0:11:08Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Ireland. The crowd thought there was a handball there. I think the
0:11:12 > 0:11:22corner is given. Sammy Clingan Essien, what about the handball,
0:11:22 > 0:11:39
0:11:39 > 0:11:49referee? It did hit his hand, and to me that is a handball. Gareth
0:11:49 > 0:11:50
0:11:50 > 0:12:00McAuley committed the foul there. 10 blue shirts behind the ball. It
0:12:00 > 0:12:36
0:12:36 > 0:12:45Daniel Udsen got that back to his keeper. Christian Holst is having
0:12:45 > 0:12:52to forage deep. Not a bad effort. Lee Camp did well. Johan Simun
0:12:52 > 0:12:58Edmundsson looking for his second international goal. Lee Camp has
0:12:58 > 0:13:08yet to concede a goal at Windsor Park. This is only his second game
0:13:08 > 0:13:19
0:13:19 > 0:13:29at headquarters. He was well down Northern Ireland's are leading one
0:13:29 > 0:13:31
0:13:31 > 0:13:41goal to nothing. Aaron Hughes got the goal with his first
0:13:41 > 0:13:41
0:13:41 > 0:13:46international strike. Grant McCann, down he goes. Nothing given. Well,
0:13:46 > 0:13:51well, well! I would like to see that again. The man from Bosnia
0:13:52 > 0:13:57with the whistle was not impressed. This might be a better angle. I
0:13:57 > 0:14:02think the referee got it right. He was lucky she was not booked for
0:14:02 > 0:14:12simulation. They might have been a little bit of contact, but I don't
0:14:12 > 0:14:26
0:14:26 > 0:14:36really see it. Grant McCann was accord. Greater vision. -- as super
0:14:36 > 0:14:40
0:14:40 > 0:14:50out of turn. He has got the first yellow-card of this game. Not take
0:14:50 > 0:15:00
0:15:00 > 0:15:10everything to do. -- not a clever thankfully. The two Evans brothers
0:15:10 > 0:15:39
0:15:39 > 0:15:47Northern Ireland? Four minutes left until half-time. Pat McCourt, he
0:15:47 > 0:15:52lays a 10! I thought it was 2-0. David Healy denied by the upright.
0:15:53 > 0:15:59He thought he was back in business. He hasn't scored for almost three
0:15:59 > 0:16:05years. He hasn't scored in the last 17 internationals. He thought this
0:16:05 > 0:16:15was his comeback. It wasn't to be. Pat McCourt did so well. He picked
0:16:15 > 0:16:17
0:16:17 > 0:16:27his spot. I think the keeper got a touch. Yes, the keeper has saved it.
0:16:27 > 0:16:59
0:16:59 > 0:17:09Well done. He cannot believe it. He They are all lined up, they all
0:17:09 > 0:17:11
0:17:11 > 0:17:18break, in it comes. The keeper couldn't get a foot on it. Lee Camp
0:17:18 > 0:17:26got away with that. In it comes. He had it, then he didn't, and just
0:17:26 > 0:17:31not enough room for a telling touch. It is half time. Just a little
0:17:31 > 0:17:36scare for Northern Ireland, right on the blow. All of the promise in
0:17:36 > 0:17:41that first half going to the man with the only goal, Aaron Hughes,
0:17:41 > 0:17:46in this his 77th appearance. It had to happen sometime, it couldn't
0:17:46 > 0:17:54have happened at a better time in this European championship campaign.
0:17:54 > 0:18:04The home side in the lead by one-0. They are here in hope and
0:18:04 > 0:18:05
0:18:05 > 0:18:10expectation. At the start of the second half, Gareth Macaulay has
0:18:10 > 0:18:20gone off and he is being replaced by Craig Cathcart from Blackpool.
0:18:20 > 0:18:36
0:18:36 > 0:18:41West Brom, must have picked up a bit too complacent, perhaps in the
0:18:41 > 0:18:50first half, but great fingertip save denied David Healy a second
0:18:50 > 0:19:00goal. Tonight Northern Ireland a second goal. -- denied Northern
0:19:00 > 0:19:18
0:19:18 > 0:19:28Ireland. I am told Gareth Macaulay roar on the boys in green. What
0:19:28 > 0:19:39
0:19:39 > 0:19:49does the second 45 minutes have in too many complaints, but I am sure
0:19:49 > 0:19:49
0:19:49 > 0:20:36Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
0:20:36 > 0:20:43he would like another goal to make over the top. He could have done
0:20:43 > 0:20:49better. He could well have scored his first international goal. They
0:20:49 > 0:20:55let off for Northern Ireland, make no mistake about that. He was
0:20:55 > 0:21:05unlucky, perhaps. It should have been, it could have been 1-1. It's
0:21:05 > 0:21:17
0:21:17 > 0:21:27Faroe Island team to growing confidence. -- grow in confidence.
0:21:27 > 0:21:27
0:21:27 > 0:22:08Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
0:22:08 > 0:22:14They don't want to let them back is arriving! Quite a finish by the
0:22:14 > 0:22:23man from Rangers! 2-0! Halfway through the second half. That would
0:22:24 > 0:22:32be the clincher without doubt. They enjoyed that. A third international
0:22:32 > 0:22:36call for Steve Davis. -- ball. His first ever in the European
0:22:36 > 0:22:44championship game. His last was almost three years ago against San
0:22:44 > 0:22:49Marino. That was quite a finish. Full marks to Niall McGinn. He was
0:22:49 > 0:22:57brought on for his pace and he showed it there. A-grade pass, and
0:22:57 > 0:23:02the keeper couldn't keep it out. 2- 0 for Northern Ireland, their 100
0:23:02 > 0:23:12goal in European championship football in this, the 96 qualifier,
0:23:12 > 0:23:39
0:23:39 > 0:23:49and he enjoys the moment. So does what a way to get your first
0:23:49 > 0:23:57international goal! They are delighted! Choir not?! Northern
0:23:57 > 0:24:07Ireland coasting it. He has got that flair, he has got that touch,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09
0:24:09 > 0:24:18and how about that for a final touch?! He gets it back. 10 out of
0:24:18 > 0:24:2410 to Joni Evans, up there with the 1-2. Did you like that? Kisii did.
0:24:24 > 0:24:34-- yes, he did. It is tougher these days to qualify. But at least they
0:24:34 > 0:25:05
0:25:05 > 0:25:15are giving it a go and they are on the man in the blue shirts. They
0:25:15 > 0:25:21
0:25:21 > 0:25:30have taken out quickly, Northern David Healy. He is getting a bit
0:25:31 > 0:25:40frustrated. The fans are chanting his name. They would love to see
0:25:41 > 0:25:53
0:25:53 > 0:26:03He has missed it. What a great chance. Evans almost got it in.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07
0:26:07 > 0:26:17What a bit of magic from Pat Aaron Hughes it was that was up
0:26:17 > 0:26:47
0:26:47 > 0:26:55wonderful! That his class! -- is a class! Two goals from the Celtic
0:26:55 > 0:27:02man. The man with the X factor! The man with a touch, the flair, that
0:27:02 > 0:27:10little flash of genius occasional late, and there you saw it. Take a
0:27:10 > 0:27:17bow, Pat McCourt! He has portrayed them all out -- she has tortured
0:27:17 > 0:27:23them all night. Wonderful exhibition. There is the confidence.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28He just loves the ball at his feet. The goalkeeper had no chance. That
0:27:28 > 0:27:38is one to remember right in front of the stand! They will have
0:27:38 > 0:28:03
0:28:03 > 0:28:13international goal. -- Northern against Austria in the European
0:28:13 > 0:28:24
0:28:24 > 0:28:29won it here in November 1995. There were two goes that night. My will
0:28:29 > 0:28:34settle for four. Nigel Worthington, he has taken a bit of criticism for
0:28:34 > 0:28:38some of the results, the lack of goals, but they are back on the
0:28:38 > 0:28:44winning trail tonight, Pat McCourt, he has illuminated the Windsor Park
0:28:45 > 0:28:50this evening with some lovely flair, some lovely touches, but above all,
0:28:50 > 0:28:55two very important touches, two goals, and I think he might be in
0:28:55 > 0:29:02line for a starting place. RN fuse set us on the way after five
0:29:02 > 0:29:09minutes on the other goal came from the man from Rangers, Steve Davis.
0:29:09 > 0:29:19-- Aaron Hughes. A good night, have few scares, but nothing to trouble
0:29:19 > 0:29:24
0:29:24 > 0:29:34of the fans. It is not often you see Patrick McCourt smiling, but he
0:29:34 > 0:29:40
0:29:40 > 0:29:50is! Doesn't the final score make That was quite a night! Great
0:29:50 > 0:29:51
0:29:51 > 0:29:56result for us. We showed patience when we had to, and a bit of
0:29:56 > 0:30:06talents when we needed it. The rain helped us a little bit. We could
0:30:06 > 0:30:08
0:30:08 > 0:30:17move the ball around pretty quick. Overall, we're very happy. I urge
0:30:17 > 0:30:27you got your first goal! How did it feel? Fantastic. I never expected
0:30:27 > 0:30:29
0:30:29 > 0:30:35it, to be honest. And lot of head scratching down. You were dropped
0:30:35 > 0:30:44earlier, so did you feel you had a point to prove? I think you always
0:30:44 > 0:30:47have to prove yourself. There was a point to prove for everyone. Just
0:30:47 > 0:30:57thankful in the end the we one quite convincingly after a pretty
0:30:57 > 0:30:58
0:30:58 > 0:31:03sluggish first act. Top be to the second goal. It was wizardry. What
0:31:03 > 0:31:13is going through your mind? It was nice to score a good goal. Any goal
0:31:13 > 0:31:13
0:31:13 > 0:31:22is nice. It was very pleasing. I had a quick look up and sold the
0:31:22 > 0:31:28keeper of Islam - - the keeper off his line.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33I think the scoreline was quite harsh. I think we played quite
0:31:33 > 0:31:41brightly and created some good chances. We had a great chance at
0:31:41 > 0:31:50half-time. At times we took the game quite well to Northern Ireland.
0:31:50 > 0:31:56The chance we missed in the second half with the Daniel Udsen was very
0:31:56 > 0:32:04hard. We all said about getting off to a good start. We played at a
0:32:04 > 0:32:08good tempo, and we got a goal through that. It after the goal we
0:32:08 > 0:32:14started to play in front of them and it made it difficult for her
0:32:14 > 0:32:22cells. We sorted out one or two things at half-time. Great credit
0:32:22 > 0:32:27to the lads, they drew off at them and we got our just reward with a
0:32:27 > 0:32:33very good win. No Northern Ireland move up to third place in the grid
0:32:33 > 0:32:38table, just two points behind Slovenia. Up next is Serbia.
0:32:38 > 0:32:44Joining me is Michael O'Neill. That was a first-class performance
0:32:44 > 0:32:48tonight. It was. We spoke earlier about the potential banana-skin,
0:32:48 > 0:32:54but they approached the game very well. They got a head early which
0:32:54 > 0:32:59helped sell them down. They took over the game in the second half
0:32:59 > 0:33:06and it became the Patrick McCourt show them. A lot of very good
0:33:06 > 0:33:11performances out there. Great atmosphere in the stadium. The fans
0:33:11 > 0:33:19and everyone were left asking why haven't we seen more of Patrick
0:33:19 > 0:33:25Crane - - Patrick McCourt, when he plays a well? He is a very exciting
0:33:25 > 0:33:32player. Even at the start of the game you could see that. The
0:33:32 > 0:33:37challenges fitting him into the team. Against the Faroe Islands, it
0:33:37 > 0:33:41is easier to do that. He showed us tonight what he is capable of and
0:33:41 > 0:33:49hopefully we will see a lot more of him. We do now starting against
0:33:49 > 0:33:57Serbia? I would, but Nigel has to look at the situation, maybe look
0:33:57 > 0:34:00at where he plays him. I think he could play behind the striker. They
0:34:00 > 0:34:06restricted him in the second half and kept him on the left-hand side
0:34:06 > 0:34:11a lot. He was very effective coming in on his right hand side. Against
0:34:11 > 0:34:19stronger opposition, with the opposition full-back then start to
0:34:19 > 0:34:26give more problems, exposing maybe the weaker part of Patrick's game?
0:34:26 > 0:34:36I thought his passing was excellent. He has a great range of passing and
0:34:36 > 0:34:37
0:34:37 > 0:34:44has all was to come for the ball. - - always looking for the ball.
0:34:44 > 0:34:53the captain on the scoresheet! delighted for him. It was just what
0:34:53 > 0:34:57we needed, at the right time of the game. It was her first corner. - -
0:34:57 > 0:35:01our first corner. If it probably settle the crowd down and at times
0:35:01 > 0:35:07more than Adam played some fantastic football. The midfield
0:35:07 > 0:35:15three were very good and there was a lot of positive tonight.
0:35:16 > 0:35:22Fantastic strike from Steve Davis. Yes, we talk about him in a regular
0:35:22 > 0:35:25basis, and at times tonight him and Patrick McCourt look really
0:35:25 > 0:35:32comfortable playing with each other, even though ironically they both
0:35:33 > 0:35:39played for Rangers and Celtic! He pops up when the full areas and
0:35:39 > 0:35:47hurt the opposition. Four games left in the campaign, to home and
0:35:47 > 0:35:53two away. Serbia next. If Serbia win - - if it Northern Ireland beat
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Serbia, we would be in a good position. The two games against
0:35:58 > 0:36:03Estonia are very winnable. Italy at the end would be a massive
0:36:03 > 0:36:09challenge. The Serbia game is going to be a crunch game. Three points
0:36:09 > 0:36:14there would be a massive step. Northern Ireland can win here
0:36:14 > 0:36:22against Serbia. It will be a big physical team and they have a lot
0:36:22 > 0:36:31of quality, but the confidence from tonight's, a positive atmosphere in
0:36:31 > 0:36:37the stadium and, who knows? It will be a different type of game,
0:36:37 > 0:36:41obviously, against better opposition, but tonight must boost
0:36:41 > 0:36:51the confidence of. Yes, there will be more quality. But keep the ball
0:36:51 > 0:36:54
0:36:54 > 0:36:58a lot better, and physically there will be a lot stronger. What we
0:36:58 > 0:37:03sought tonight, a lot of good performances, retaining the ball
0:37:03 > 0:37:10well, looking for the ball, moving the ball well. Some of the
0:37:10 > 0:37:20interplay between the midfield three with Paddy no court coming in,
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Coming up next is the match against Serbia. We will have television