Northern Ireland v Slovenia Match of the Day Northern Ireland

the countdown to the year rose continues. Last week in Northern

Ireland produced an impressive draw with fellow finalists Wales. The

second international goal. They were minutes from victory. Tonight

Michael O'Neill's team will try to extend its unbeaten run to ten

matches to beat a record set 30 years ago. That is the last time

Northern Ireland qualified for a major tournament. The preparations

continue for the summer's finals with an international friendly

against Slovenia. The green and white army, young and

old are out in force for the first home game of 2016, the new home for

Northern Ireland fans, the National football is they deem is really

starting to take shape and it is an absolute sell-out. Good evening and

welcome to Windsor park, joining us tonight in the studio here are two

of Northern Ireland's best ever players. The flag stays down. What a

moment for Northern Ireland. What a moment for Windsor park. Fleming

takes it. Dowie come short. Marvellous goal by Keith Gillespie.

Four minutes gone, second cap tonight for Keith Alexy, the 19 year

from Manchester United and what a start for Northern Ireland. 180 caps

and 30 goals between them. David Healy and Keith Alexy, to be fair 36

were yours. I think he has about 20 assists and I have one so I had to

repay him somehow. Are you confident that Northern Ireland can keep this

really good run going and break the record of unbeaten games? I think

so, the way they have played through the whole campaign, it is very

pleasing and very difficult to beat now. As good shape about us and

Michael has is well organised and the run of nine games it all. The

Northern Ireland team to Matt, for changes to the side, incomes Roy

Carroll in goal, Shane Ferguson comes in, Michael Smith makes his

international debut and Kyle Lafferty is replaced by Jamie Ward.

Michael Smith from Peterborough, what we know about him and how

difficult is it to make your international debut just before the

Euros? I know people are Peter Briggs speak highly for him. I have

been speaking to Michael on and off trying to get this lad in. --

Peterborough. There is no better place than making your baby at the

new Windsor park so he has played 100 times or so for Ballymena. It

does have experience playing week in week out in England so detest for

him and hopefully he does well. Michael O'Neill giving every player

the ultimate opportunity to make it to in France? We still have a fair

bit to go before the final start so unfortunately with Chris Brunt being

injured there is a possibility that other players could get injured and

hopefully that does not happen but he does have to have back-up plans.

He needs to see plays in positions that they may not be familiar to sew

a good case for him to try and see what he has out there. The new

National. You hear is nearly complete, it is scheduled to be

officially finished in September, tonight the dressing rooms will be

used for the first times and the new surroundings are certainly

impressing everyone including the Northern Ireland manager.

ROCK MUSIC this is a stadium fit for international football. To be going

into the finals in the stadium as it is fully completed nearly, it is

great there is a real enthusiasm about it, the team is going well and

you see the imagery, the likes of George Best and the players of 86

and 82 and I think that is a good thing. These players want to leave

their own legacy, a lot have played international football and they will

be the first team to go to a European Championships and they are

the first Northern Ireland team that have won a qualifying group as well

as they are nice things to have an terms of your achievements as an

international player. Between now and the summer the race will be good

and make and hopefully add to that in France. I know you are here week

in week out the how impressed are you buy the new Windsor park?

Fantastic, it has taken such a long time for us to build but finally

we're nearly there and it a stadium I think the whole country can be

proud of. It is still and work but it is a stadium we can all be proud

of -- and workforce that is to know that so many of the heroes of

Northern Irish football are remembered -- nice to know. You look

at the players there, Pat Jennings, George Best, all those names roll

off your tongue. As David says, it is great, we have needed this for a

long time and a stadium we need to be proud of, the previous Windsor

park was a little bit poor in terms of standard but we have a really

cracking stadium now. I think there is a page of U2 boys in there now.

Gareth McAuley the West Bromwich Albion is confident ahead of the

match, momentum he says is key as the team gets ready for a very

exciting journey the summer. than to anything. Playing Ukraine

and Poland first is good because you can do your teeth into that and then

you have to get something against Germany and then we looked them.

-- we look then. You cannot even get enough tickets to take the family, I

understand the frustrations everyone has had the tickets but that shows

what we have done as a group, everyone is scrambling trying to get

tickets and get themselves out there to see us. What hit home which is

different for us is what happened to Chris Brunt. That is a crying shame,

something that happens in football and is difficult because I know how

much he wanted to come here and how much she was looking forward to it

as well. It's difficult being, going away, leaving the club and being

happy when you know he is hurting. Obviously we have never experienced

it before, none of us have. We are going into the dark and we don't

know what to expect from it. We can try to soak it we are focused, we

adjust tourist if you like. We can hopefully do something. Steven Davis

is ready to lead the Northern Ireland team out this evening, let's

see if they can keep their unbeaten run on the go and see if they can

break the record. Let's join the commentary team.

COMMENTATOR: Thank you Stephen, the work in progress that is the new

stadium here continues and Steven Davis ready to leave the players out

of the new tunnel from the new dressing room past the pictures of

those heroes from the past for the very first time and on the pitch and

opportunity to apply some final touches. Just two games to play and

both here and to Michael O'Neill names the squad of 23 players that

will represent Northern Ireland at the European Championship finals,

for the very first time, 11 weeks yesterday until the opening games

and Poland of course will be the opponents with time running out for

those who need to convince the manager that they should be there.

Tommy Wright sitting alongside me, he made the flight and a big night

to night, a very different wins apart from when you were here

before? It will be magnificent when the uncompleted and finishes, you

see the dressing rooms and the infrastructure, it is a top class

stadium. Let's just pause for the anthems festivals Lavinia. SLOVENIAN

National and now the National Anthem of

Northern Ireland. Apologies, slide design flaw with

the new studio here, when the back row of the press stand out from the

radio commentary position, they do block our view. We will have to tell

them to sit down on a more regular basis.

A few changes from the team in Cardiff, Roy Carroll takes over

between the posts. Michael Smith makes his debut, Shane Ferguson

replaces Stuart Dallas on the other side having failed to start any

other games and there's a change Jimmy Ward replacing Kyle Lafferty.

4-3- three. Been if. Some changes to the side that beat Macedonia. Hole

is in the team and the other change sees Bursa winning his 80th cap. Of

course the last time Northern Ireland played here the terror

attacks were in Paris and over the course of these hundred people have

died in Lahore and Brussels and before kick-off the two central

players will gather around the centre circle and we will observe a

minute 's silence. Not just in the memory of those who lost their lives

in those attacks but also to remember those involved in the

terrible tragedy in three Mac last Sunday evening. The pledge is

gathering around the centre circle now stop -- the players. The referee

will blow his whistle and we will observe a minute silence.

Well a chance for this generation of internationals to write another

chapter in the history books, to avoid defeat tonight and it will set

a new record of ten games unbeaten. It has been nine-game since they

have been beaten and they want to go one better, if they can go right up

to the finals it'll be a tremendous run of form and will give them room

amends. It would but the records are important because a performance is

what they will be looking for between now and France and it gives

them another opportunity tonight as well. We are ready to go. Steven

Davis the captain gets us underway. 13 and a half thousand packed in

here tonight, a sell-out crowd as you would expect.

Michael Smith the man making his debut, firmer Ballymena United

player. -- former. Playing now for Peterborough United and David Healy

saying he is really impressed Grant McCann on the coaching staff. He

expects him to make a big impression. Back by Ward. Nor would

fruitfully to Washington. A chance now for

A little bit scrappy over in the far side in the early stages. It'd be

interesting to see was Slovenia make of this once night. They missed out

on the play-offs, not going to the finals, are they looking to rebuild

when they are six months away from our? They are in a tough group with

England and Switzerland. It would be a tough test for Northern Ireland

tonight. Probably the 3-5- two has a more balanced for Ferguson. Maybe a

bit more natural for him to play the role. Stuart Dallas. Try the pick-up

Washington. He played on Wednesday in the win against Macedonia. An

early cross well defended by McAuley. Danger still not clear. And

Skubic put across in. A great ball in an Gareth McAuley does brilliant

to clean it up. A bit untidy at the end with good defending from Gareth

there. That diagonal ball and Shane Ferguson got caught under its a bit

but Skubic made a great run. Second spell in charge for the manager he

will be pleased. A chance maybe now for Ward. Manages to dig a cross but

black the goalkeeper catch that the Lima -- catches those or not long. A

good ball from Shane getting in behind. Ward starting in place of

Kyle Lafferty this evening. Interesting Michael O'Neill

suggesting that it wasn't worth taking the risk with Lafferty

tonight given he had not playing a lot of football coming into the

friendlies, doesn't want to send him to Birmingham City online with an

injury and maybe he will miss 2-3 weeks, it would defeat the whole

purpose of him missing matches. It is good management from Michael,

they have not played a lot of football, two games in four days,

there is the risk of injury and the one thing we don't want is to go to

Birmingham and not play because we do need to go to Birmingham and be

ready for the finals. Not convincing by black. Washington has it knocked

away from homes. -- Oblak. Knock-down by Cathcart. Here is

Ilicic, taken by Norwood. The ever busy Davis. Tidying up. McNair,

gives it to Smith. Norwood's past is behind Ferguson.

What are the real differences with the problem is that some players

will find if they don't play 3-5- two regularly. Trying dot-mac is it

difficult for the central defenders? Cathcart and Evans have all played

full-back so I think you're wingbacks are such as you want them

as high up the pitch as possible and you don't want to be having five at

the back and the way it manages are looking it will allow three in

midfield and two up top. Although saying that international football,

some teams are happy with two versus two at the back. The set piece for

Northern Ireland. Obviously Gareth McAuley has come forward. All of the

outfield players, everyone apart from Roy Carroll is in the Slovenian

half. Up to McAuley who does get his head to the ball. Idris out of play

for a goal kick? You're looking for a not across goal from Gareth and he

got it again, something Northern Ireland are good at in the campaign,

their set place. Jokic, flies up for offside. The

referee spots that. Bezjak unable to time the run. Bezjak who scored his

only international goal on Wednesday night against Macedonia. There is

the manager Michael O'Neill. Keith was definitely born. Keith

just looks old. All that experience of life.

The ever present of McAuley in the qualifying campaign, now Norwood.

Ferguson. Shane Ferguson has not started any of the previous 11

internationals before tonight. The last game he started was the 2-0 win

in Greece. Evans in a wide position, more likely to see him in one of the

areas, that is what you are talking about with the defensive three? When

we have the three the ball is split and it want to keep the ball in the

game and it is important at international level, looks at the

referee to say you're not giving me a free kick for that nudge? He has

made an impressive start, he works hard and you know you are in a game

with Washington because he does not allow centre-backs the time with the

ball. They have used set pieces well. Five

of seven goals have been headers as well from set pieces. That one is a

bit of ways. -- waste. You almost expect Northern Ireland to score off

every corner they get because they have been so good. Even the goal in

Wales came from a well worked corner, the initial ball was cleared

but it is the variation of the set pieces which is Ben so impressive

over the course of the last couple of years -- been.

You are probably all the same you managers. Smith, has a little look

at what is available. The cross was easily blocked, maybe should have

thought about giving back to McNair instead. A chance for the visitors

to break, Ilicic with a short pass, helped on its way by Krhin. Jokic,

the cross was blocked. It looked as though there might be half the town

's. A very loose pass to Ferguson.

Davis. Has a bit of space. Smith seeing a lot of the ball in the

early stages, he will be pleased about that I'm sure, making his

debut. He will enjoy that role because I him at Ballyclare and I

was saying -- Palomino. -- Palomino. He loves getting forward. You know

he has the licence to do that. It didn't take you long to slip in

Ballyclare there. Not bad for a small count. Davis beaten to the

ball the left-back forward again. Marshall once more. Krhin gives it

wired and stress to start another move off. Verbic has beaten the

skipper, tries to play a nice little 1-2 at the edge of the penalty area.

Try to knock it to where he thought Bezjak would be. An important touch

from Ferguson. Slovenia still have it. This could be half a chance,

does it is save it in the end, fired into the side netting. Play the

initial one in the wide area world and he makes a great run off the

back Paddy should probably track that, it will take some thing

special to beat him from there. Roy Carroll winning his 34th cap tonight

and as Tommy was saying being beaten from that sort of angle, a bad

decision from the striker. Samardzic decided to put the brakes

on. Samardzic tries to go for the long

one, two longbow and Carroll quite happily deals with that. Roy Carroll

has been around a long time, nearly 19 years since his debut, this would

be a great way for him to finish his international career heading off

into France. Right on the 14th minute, a round of

applause to celebrate the life of Johann Christ, one of the

footballing greats who sadly passed away sadly last week and I'm sure an

emotional moment as well for the Slovenian manager who was a member

of the great side which played in the 92 cup final and they were

beaten that night. What a player Johann was. An outstanding player

and in the 74 World Cup and the 78 World Cup, a great manager and I saw

an interview with him where he had he had privately manage them on.

Everybody on their feet around the ground acknowledging the life of the

great Johann Christ. Jonny Evans. As a free kick to take. Pretty flat

start so far. To be first with Renee have probably had better of the last

3-4 minutes, they have controlled the ball and in the centre of

midfield, good movement as well. Skubic providing one of the earlier

moments with a great cross. A player who it seems enjoys venturing

forward. It will be a throw in. Cathcart could have an FA Cup final

to look forward to, just one game away from an FA Cup final with

Watford. McCauley is still Mr reliable for West Brom. Jonny Evans

has joined them the. That is why we are seeing a lot of experimenting

with the three at the back. That was laid won by Norwood. He

apologises. I don't think the referee is going to produce a it is

a friendly, after all. It was an accident. They can be sore, but he

is fine. Good refereeing, just had a quiet word with Norwood. Caesar is

the most capped player in Slovenian history -- Cesar.

Smith is the 40th player that has been used by Michael O'Neill since

he took charge. Does that seem like a lot to you? What was it, four

years ago? I don't know. To be fair, a lot of the young players have come

through. He has found one or two players as well.

Making his debut at 27, of course. I think he's the oldest debutant for

Northern Ireland since Mark Williams, who made his debut at the

age of 28. Taylor made his debut at 27. The flag has gone up, and the

shot was off target anyway. It is another little warning. A couple of

times, they have almost managed to get themselves in.

The last five or six minutes, they have looked more comfortable.

McAuley not taking any chances. Looked as if Ilicic was outnumbered,

but the referee has given the free kick. It does have that practice

match sort of feel to it. It is five years tomorrow since the sides last

met, in a 0-0 draw. Slovenia have not scored in the last three

meetings between the sides. There was a 1-0 in Maribor, when Corry

Evans scored. Not a lot of goals whenever these sites meet. That has

been the pattern in recent years. That was a very poor cross. Roy

Carroll let out a loud roar. To be fair, the likes of Bojan Jokic do

like to get forward. You were saying it is different for goalkeepers.

Needs a bit more service, Washington. He has been chasing lost

causes so far. It is important to try. You don't

want to go into the tournament football becoming one-dimensional. I

think with the three other back, one of your centre-backs have to step

out. We have gone a bit long, which has made it difficult for

Washington. Davis was trying to force his way through. And the

referee has given the free kick. McNair standing, hands on hips.

It is McNair who is going to take it. A glancing header. And it goes

behind for the corner. Norwood again. Better delivery.

Gareth McAuley was pushing at the back post. That is a free kick. A

bit too much on that one, Tommy? Yeah. There is a bit of a singsong.

If the game is not great, you can always make your own entertainment,

especially if you have a finals night to look forward to. And they

are in good voice. It is a bit of a choir practice, this game and the

game against Belarus at the end of May. McAuley needs to be careful

here, and is. If you are Slovenia, you will be

happy, because a lot of the Northern Ireland players have been in front

of them, and we have lacked that penetration. Cathcart defends well.

A foul on the far side. How the assistant doesn't see that is a bit

of a mystery. Kurtic was being put under pressure.

Slovenia have done well to keep possession. Davis knew he was going

to be put under pressure by Verbic, so had to retreat.

That was a great ball, but the flag is up for offside.

I could see exactly what Verbic was trying to do. The little backheel by

Davis didn't quite come off. Probably the better option was

Michael Smith again. Birsa, to be fair to him, has got good movement.

Cathcart with the throwing. -- throw-in.

This could be half a chance for the visitors. That was a comfortable

save. Good counterattack play. The visitors certainly have had the

better of it. They have just looked more threatening, Joe.

The best chance was probably the one that was fired into the side

netting. He will be the happier of the two managers, up for his second

spell in charge. He had a very good first charge, led them to the World

Cup in 2002. He has been asked back to repeat the magic for Slovenia.

They have a tough World Cup qualifying group. It will be a big

ask in that group. Here is Washington. Great chance for

him, trying to put it through the goalkeeper's legs. But they stopped

the shot. But great play from Washington. And good play from Jonny

Evans. The keeper does well, to be fair, keeps his legs close together.

It was a good save, but excellent play from Northern Ireland. It was

promising from Washington, the ability to go past the defender.

You have to give black credit. -- Oblak. The only way to go was

through the goalkeeper's legs, and Oblak probably knew that and was

able to make the save. He plays for Atletico Madrid.

Yes, good build-up play for Northern Ireland.

Michael O'Neill will be off to watch Germany against Italy tomorrow

night. He will be heading off, having watched his team extend their

unbeaten run to ten matches, into double figures for the first ever

time. The referee made a little slip there, but did well to avoid being

in contact with the ball. Slippery surface.

Ferguson is seeing more of the ball now. Yes, they have moved up the

pitch more to put them under more pressure.

Washington will keep the vendor 's honest. The player that chases all

the scraps. -- he will keep defenders honest.

That is the first time I have seen him live. I have seen him on TV.

First corner for the visitors. That should be another corner.

That will be a free kick inside Carroll's six yard box. Roy Carroll

can have a bit of a laugh. When you started your career, that

would have been fine, Tommy! No, I think you would have to go

back a couple of decades before I started when that was allowed. 27

years ago next month, that debut of yours and that first international

goal for Michael O'Neill in Malta. Whether the years go, eh? Former

cross-country runner turned international goalkeeper turned St

Johnstone manager, leading them to glory. Top 16 finish. Hopefully.

Digging on the door. And no Gray hairs yet, so that is a big plus for

me. Evans' brother, you would expect. We

were saying before the game, Corry Evans may come into that.

That looked like a foul throw, but the referee lets it go.

Evans was penalised there. Washington has started two games and

had two macro different strike partners. It is difficult. It takes

time. They are two very different strike partners, Ward and Kyle

Lafferty. Yeah, but he has done well so far. Ferguson has looks bright in

the last 15 minutes. Jokic is the left-back who plays at

Nottingham Forest. The free kick has gone against him,

but he has hurt himself more than he has Benjamin Verbic chief.

Only four of Jimmy Ward's previous internationals has he played the 90

minutes. It is usually 70 minutes, or on some occasions of the bench.

During the qualifying campaign, we saw the best of him on so many

occasions. Davis was trying to play it in for Washington. I think it was

onside. Yes, good defending. A good run from Washington. Almost another

chance for Washington. An understanding has developed between

the centre forward and the others. From what I have seen so far, I

think he will bring something to the squad. He has been in the was, Ward.

This time, he was fouled. He wins the free kick instead of conceding

it. We are edging towards half-time. Washington only played the first 45

minutes in Wales. Will he come out for the second 45 of this one? We

shall see. Ferguson felt he was fouled.

A goal before the half-time break would be lovely. Ferguson looks like

a man on a mission tonight, working to take his opportunity. His name is

only in pencil on the back of the envelope. He's trying to make sure

that Michael O'Neill takes the pan out and writes it in ink. -- takes

the pen out. There are 18 definites and probably another five seven or

eight, would you say? Here is Washington. The referee says no

foul. He is barging his way through, and scoring his first international

goal! Tremendous strength from the new boy, Konta Washington. And he

marked his first ever visit to Northern Ireland with his first goal

for the international team. He is the fans' favourite, and with that

goal, he could just be cementing his place in the squad and heading to

France for the finals. He has been impressive. He uses his strength.

And a bit of composure. The keeper thinks he is going across him. It is

a super finish. Just from a hopeful ball up the pitch, he has made

something of it. As you say, that goal will probably get him on the

plane to France. As I said at the time, he was bulldozing his way

towards the building site. His upper body strength, the defender bounced

off him. But he had the composure, as you say, to make the goalkeeper

look rather foolish in the end. Conor Washington, on only his second

appearance for Northern Ireland and his first visit to the country,

scores his first ever international goal. Not often that you see a

yellow card at a friendly. Well, they took the free kick. And then

they lost the ball. It is a soft one. That looks like a foul. He goes

to stop it. It is a combination of two things. He was probably right to

give the yellow card. Tommy Wright supports referee shock! Well, the

fans have a new favourite, Tommy. As I said, he has been impressive in

the first half. He has worked hard. He has tried to make runs behind. He

has had the previous chance as well. So he has had an excellent 45

minutes, almost, and capped it off with a really good goal. The referee

is going to have another word with Jimmy Ward and Cesar. Jimmy Ward

said, it is him! Nothing to do with him. He needs to be careful, though.

He doesn't want to be sent off on a friendly at 1-0 up. He has done

well, Ward. Well, we said a goal would give everybody a lift just

before half-time. Washington was able to deliver that goal and that

lift. Slovenia, though, will be trying to find an equaliser in the

closing stages. Posted towards the corner, good

defending, Cathcart. Reliable as ever.

He does get the chance to put the crossing but that is very easy for

Roy Carroll and the referee has had enough. At the end of the first

half, largely uneventful and then all of a sudden Northern Ireland

decided to get Washington into the game, he gave the visitors or

warning, the goalkeeper saved his first effort but the second one, a

battering ram through the heart of the defence, the second offender

bounced off them, gets a hug from Josh Magennis, scores his first

international goal. Makes it look very simple. McNair and Cathcart

have been reliable, Davis two. A happy Northern Ireland dressing room

at half-time, the score here Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovenia.

STUDIO: David Healy and Keith Gillespie have been watching that,

your assessments? Quiet right up until we got the goal, there was not

really much in the game but nice going 1-0 up, the new player coming

in which for a manager is a big thing, when you bring someone in,

especially at this late stage. It is a big plus for him. A dream call-up

for a player playing non-league football four years ago, he could be

able to catapult insult to the bigger stage in sport? That goal has

probably put his ticket to France, he took it really well. As David

says, coming into the squad you want to make an impression and he had a

good first half the other night but the night, him and Shane Ferguson

have been the two standout players. No better man to give their thoughts

than the record goal-scorer, what have you made of, Washington? Very

good. What he does give is energy, you see that, sometimes you get

pulled up for a foul on that, the one previously when he may took an

extra touch on his left foot to cut the angle down but he had the

confidence and the belief was that he knew what he would do, strength.

A great finish and the goalkeeper had no idea. And earlier last year

you were sent by the manager Michael Neill to watch this player at his

club. The first game of the season in Rochdale and I was doing quite a

bit of work with Michael going to watch games and Connor was one of

the people who stand about 32, playful Northern Ireland. Michael be

delighted, when you bring someone in especially at this late stage and

this Goore goal on your home debut, he will be delighted. -- they score

a goal. Do you expect him to book his ticket to France now?

Absolutely, something different, a bit different from Kyle Lafferty

stop he has a lot of strength and you can see how he finishes. As said

it does give us something different to work on, does he want to play him

up front off Lafferty, that may be an interesting combination.

Certainly gives him options, Washington could have had an earlier

one? He did and the one he did score, here again he shows strength

and skill, a wee bit of composure. The goalkeeper has done well. He

shows his confidence going by the centre-half and getting the shot off

his left foot stop to show that little bit extra skill. I know

Michael O'Neill was frustrated that when he played the three at the back

against Wales, the strikers did not see as much action as he would have

hoped, howdy thing that experiment has gone playing the three at the

back this evening? They have not tested us too much, maybe a couple

of half chances, with the goal if you see where we actually win the

ball, it is Jonny Evans who wins its high up the pitch which we are in

possession and Anna gives us the chance to get the strikers on the

ball and we have just seen what Washington can do when he gets it.

Slovenia have had plenty of possession but have not troubled too

much? It's comfortable for the goalkeeper. There have been a few

half chances. Good defending by Gareth at the start. All in all,

Michael Wilby pretty confident going in annex, is that way. Especially

friendlies, substitutions will happen, Michael should be delighted

with the back three, it is something he has worked on. In his early days

it was something he played, especially away from home. Again

going into the Euros we need some indifferent in case we need a

change. With Chris Brunt out injured, he does have to look at

alternatives in case he needs to play the system against teams in the

finals? Exactly you need to be to change things, you experiment with

the formation, it is something he might play in the Euros or not. If

the players are used to it than they know they can adapt to that role.

Why does he like to switch between the two systems without making a

substitution as well which seems to be important? It is important for

the flow and important for players to understand their roles, having

worked with Michael, the players will be well drilled and whatever

formation they will play, it'll give them something else if they are

winning, something that can go with the experience and know-how. Or if

they need to shut up shop especially against Germany, Ukraine or Poland,

when he played 3-5- two you are always in the game and it is

something he would drill into the players, if it does need to go to

that the players will know their jobs. Shane Ferguson, he has been

lively? With him being more offensive of the two wingbacks I

thought he would get forward and he has got in some great crosses. He

also has worked hard, I think we have seen here he gets back and

across other back post and he manages to get it away for corner.

He has been a big plus this evening. When you play three at the back the

wingbacks will always have plenty of work to do. It is a graveyard shift.

Sometimes when you look at shame he's not the biggest or the

strongest or the quickest but what he is is technically gifted. He

works hard and sometimes that one he dealt with at the back post, there

are times when he could use the lack of fight to put it on players coming

forward but he has done well. He has been a threat going forward to.

Michael Neser much on the other side, he is more defensive but that

is the role he is adjusting to. Michael Smith making his debut. He

has done well, nothing spectacular and is kept things simple when he

has needed to, Summers touches at times -- some nice touches. You want

to get off to a good debut and make sure your first pass is good and

many can get into the game. He has done very well so far, maybe not the

same threat as Shane Ferguson but, he is a right back by trade. This

might be a new learning curve for him to. It is obviously a friendly,

it is about experimentation for the finals, how important is the team

can keep the momentum going and get the unbeaten record going into the

finals. There are confidence to the players, the feel-good factor about

the stadium, you can hear the atmosphere tonight, it is incredible

for a friendly, Meehan Keith have played in lots of friendly say when

the crowd has been quiet. Maybe the new stadium being built, the

pressure is off, we are in France so it is a big atmosphere and hopefully

keeping the run going is crucial. I'm sure Michael will be drilling

that and hopefully get the results. The fans are in full voice to not,

preparations continue, Northern Ireland of course one to make a big

impact when they get there on and off the pitch, as we find out when

there were getting dressed to impress.

Straight off the peg so no alterations, happy with that. Slim

fit, all the luck to be happy with that. A special thing going into the

tournament, this seems to be part and parcel. We're still on the crest

of the wave, a bit surreal but it is nice. They wanted to make it special

for us and obviously, looking forward to it now. We started here

in 1879, the lads getting into the Euros is the cream, we are so proud

to be involved. There has Lisbon talk getting fitted us forces and it

has taken us to qualify before we could get one, everyone has been

looking forward to it to see what style they would be putting a sin. I

think we are unbeaten in nine now so hopefully we can keep that going.

Getting closer all the time and we have seat fittings and we have other

things plan, it brings more of the excitement forward and gives us

something to look forward to when we are out there. You have been

speaking to many players, there is a real air of excitement and

expectation about them heading to the finals is in there? There is but

you can see the bond between the players, getting fitted for the

suits, I was joking with Keith when I first came, we were given an IFA

suit with a big IFA badge and it was like cardboard so it is nice to see

the money we are getting for qualifying is going to good use.

They are having a good bond which is very important. Of course, players

getting on, they have done the country proud. They will represent

us in France and it is what needed to be done, they have certainly look

the part. OK so let's join Mark Sidebottom who is per side. I was

just saying if Connor Washington has made his dream home debut, it must

be the dream job for you, the first-ever qualification for the

Euros and we're looking at the guys getting suited and booted, you have

been there the whole time? Such a brilliant opportunity. We have a new

national football stadium at Windsor park, we have corporate hospitality

for the first time, we had Pat Jennings along with Jackie Fullerton

hosting so that has been brilliant. Washington, it sells more shares for

me. 120 suits, it sounds a lot, I take it the women are also being

looked after? Of course we have glamorous women who are being looked

after that we are not putting them in men's suits, we would just as

ladies. The expectation is the stadium will be completed in time

for the World Cup in October, in terms of sales and marketing, where

are you in your trajectory? Well things are great, we have spent some

time over in London talking to a number of big brands and we're

looking for naming rights and are looking at a few corporate boxes

left which are getting snapped up. Thank you very much. We would like

to go to the Pat Jennings Lounge after the match. Anyway lots to talk

about before then. Northern Ireland winning 1-0, what you expect them to

produce in the second half? Hopefully pretty much the same, as I

said before, hopefully the substitutions will happen. One thing

he will do, he will experiment and give people opportunities. I hope it

doesn't take it away and I hope he'll be saying a clean sheet whimsy

the game. Do you expect to see Kyle Lafferty or will he keep him on the

bench considering? I wouldn't be surprised to see a cameo towards the

end. He needs gametime, I saw Washington gets a full 90 minutes.

He stays on for the second half and Aaron Hughes is coming on as a

replacement, time to go back to the commentary team. , --, COMMENTATOR:

Aaron Hughes, ever closer to the 100 Capcom he would be the first

outfield player to reach a century for Northern Ireland.

Also coming up, a couple of changes for Slovenia.

They have made a huge changes, -- a few changes.

Ilicic is the man who has been replaced. What have Slovenia got in

this second half, it'll be interesting to see. How interested

they are to get back in the game, will they simply want to go through

the motions or is the goal coming at the end of the first half from

Connor Washington the difference between the two sides. You're

talking about Michael Smith making his debut, Mark Williams the man who

made his debut at 28 and Ferguson has been in touch and wanted to

point out he was 29 when he made his debut, a few months later the Mark

Williams. Michael Smith the oldest man to make his international debut

and Glenn Ferguson. The debut of Ferguson against Norway.

I think that game we were 3-0 down. 4-0 it finished. Did you play that

night? Know I was coaching. We are still on course to get the 100th cap

against the vacuo. He played against Belarus in means he would play his

cap against the opposition where he got his first. That would be a nice

quiet. What a night for Aaron Hughes. One of those without doubt

will be on the plane barring injury. His experience will be met I think.

Slovenia trying to start the second half the way they started the first

on the Frankfurt. Verbic gets it wide. An opportunity here that a

good block. Aaron Hughes with a clearance. Ferguson helping it

forward, a little nudge, less contact than there was in the

build-up to the goal. I think the fact he is slightly behind him

caught him. Jokic on the near side. Verbic

feeding it into the substitute all one of the substitutes.

We spoke about going ten games unbeaten, it was 36 years when

Northern Ireland scored second, lots of runs and records they are making

their own. Decent ball by Jokic again. Slovenia seeing a lot of the

ball in the opening stages. Going for paste this time and unable to

pick anybody out. That would drift out for a goal kick. Tries to draw

the ball across, has gone out for a goal kick but they have started with

a bit of purpose in the second half and maybe Northern Ireland can get a

hold of the ball. The star man forced the Beeney. The man with

number 11 on his back. Very close to the goal-scoring record, Novakovic,

is on 31. Need for goals to equal the record. -- four. Winning his

74th cap tonight. Ferguson will get good gametime. It was Bursa who was

penalised. Cathcart. Looking at where the

options are. Norwood was on the stretch that that could not quite

get back into position. Should favour the goalkeeper and Ward is up

to the challenge, the referee is not happy, Ward pushed the goalkeeper

and the defender Samardzic just pressing his forehead into Jamie

Ward. Ward is ready on a yellow card here of course. Washington is on as

the bodyguard. I did say at the end of the first half Jamie Ward would

need to be careful and not on a yellow card, the referee decides to

take the easy way out, Ward could be a goner. I don't think they want to

tempt it. He is speaking to Washington now, Jamie Ward would do

well to get out of the way. Ward went to just challenge the keeper

and to be fair he fell into him and the reaction by Samardzic was a

total overreaction and Washington was there to protect his mates.

Washington shouldn't be booked. Samardzic should be booked, he

started it. It goes off the pitch, it is Astroturf to grass and Jamie

just slipped. But a friendly game, you maybe have to look at getting

Jamie off because, why Washington was booked is beyond me, and the

goalkeeper to be fair did not do a lot. Samardzic the most guilty out

of everybody involved managed to avoid getting a card. Where is the

official behind the goal? He would have a better picture.

There is black, just confirmation that he received a yellow card

attract when you compare it to Samardzic who

pressed his forehead into Jamie Ward, much ado about nothing.

It's life and at the start of the second half anyway. It'll take some

momentum. Samardzic... It has continued on

from the first part because even off-camera Yaya Toure was having a

go at Ward. -- Samardzic. Aaron Hughes. His debut came in a game,

one of the games, the last time Northern Ireland 12 friendlies in a

row, here's a chance for Smith. Can he pick out a pass? Only finds a

defender. One of those opportunities where he

maybe had too much time. We will sit back, Jamie Ward was in a better

position, good leave by Washington. Jamie is in a better position. Role

that across. We all know, concerns. Jewel

engineers across the country. A little talent by Norwood the

referee settles for a throw in. Ferguson felt he was fouled. It has

worked in favour of the stadium. Three new side instead of two. They

will forever be indebted to the bouncy. Washington. Does well and

the defender steals it back from him.

One of the other interesting things was giving McGovern the 90 in Wales

and Roy Carroll giving 90 minutes here and as a goalkeeper would you

rather have that than 45 and 45? Personally I preferred that, if

you're going to play, if you're going to only get 405I would rather

have the first -- 45, I would. Did you concede a goal that night?

Probably. It was only 1-0. Ferguson. Tries to get his team-mate forward

and Verbic is the runner. Washington is on the move. Norwood

keeps it on the right-hand side. Cleared eventually. It is given away

to Bursa. Safety first, puts it behind for the

corner. The right decision. Michael O'Neill wants to make a double

change share and he was thinking about not making it that he is going

to make the change. Jamie Ward comes off, partly for his own protection.

Walking a tightrope and Kyle Lafferty is going to come on. Kyle

Lafferty this seems to have a piece of paper in a sand will pass on some

message or instruction to someone. We will see what the other changes.

Dallas is coming on for Ferguson. The piece of paper will be either

because of the changes in marking, all because of a change of system.

On comes Dallas for Ferguson. Slovenia want to make two changes as

well, but I don't think we will have those at the moment. All we would be

waiting half the night before we can have the corner. An attempted flick

on at the near post. That is going to be a free kick. Roy Carroll runs

out of his area a long way. He is telling the referee exactly what he

thought of the challenge. It is because it is Samardzic again. The

referee is being told by Roy Carroll that he got away with one at the

other end, and you should be booking him. Another couple of changes. It

is all rather messy at this stage. Peter star Jana bitches on -- Peter

star Jana Vick is on. The flag is up for offside, I think.

Dallas was a bit too keen after coming on. It is not a change of

system. Stojanovic was maybe trying to rough

things up a bit. Washington and applying pressure,

and Samardzic decided to put it behind for a corner.

We should get Mark Sidebottom to run around and retrieve that piece of

paper to see what it says. The referee almost got on the way of

that set piece. It caught everybody by surprise.

If Northern Ireland do go on and learned this unbeaten record, it

would be a record for any Northern Ireland side. Dallas will have

played in all ten of the matches. He started in eight of them, was on as

a substitute in two. Oliver Norwood would be the only man to start all

pen in the sequence. -- all ten. Dallas is being asked to do some

defending. Corner kick for the visitors.

Their record in friendlies away from home is not great. And they are 1-0

down here. He has given the penalty for a foul, for some pulling on the

defender. Point to the spot straightaway. And Jonny Evans is

penalised, and the referee shows him a yellow card. Let's pick the bones

out of this, Tommy. He put his arm around his neck. It wasn't exactly

subtle. You can see why the referee decided to give it. So the man who

scored 31 international goals up against Roy Carroll is off. Great

save by Roy Carroll, diving to his right and pushing it away. We were

hearing yesterday about Northern Ireland, and Roy Carroll was

magnificent. He was saving two out of every three penalties he faced

from Northern Ireland players, and he saved the most important one, one

during the match. Northern Ireland's lead is preserved. Any penalty save

is a good save, but it is a big moment in the game. The referee has

seen loads of things happen in the box, but he is right to give the

penalty kick. But Roy made amends for that with a great save. Still

some more defending to be done. Here is the penalty save again.

Great save. Roy Carroll, back between the posts.

A first start since the friendly game against Qatar in May, and the

big moment in the match. He said the penalty during the qualifying

campaign against the Faroe Islands here. And he saves another. Another

warning, though, for Northern Ireland, that this game is not done

and dusted yet. Stojanovic with the cross, not a

great clearance. Another change coming up as we get

another look at the awarding of the penalty. It is a good save.

Washington is coming off. He will always remember this night, his

first international goal, and perhaps the night that he cemented

his place in the squad for the finals. He is replaced by Josh

Magennis as we look at the goal, the battering ram, forcing his way

through, but then the composure to provide the finish. A memorable

night for Conor Washington, who, as the boys were saying our half-time,

until about four years ago, was playing part-time football and

working as a postman. And now all of a sudden, he is on his way to the

European Championship finals, you would think. Here's an example for

all your footballers out there. If you look at Vardy as well with

England and where he was a few seasons ago, if you keep working

hard and keep moving in your ability, you do get the breaks. And

you have to take them, and he has certainly done that. Now he has a

great opportunity to go to the Euros. Another change coming up.

McLoughlin is Surely that is the six Northern

Ireland substitutes all used up by now. You do lose count. LcLaughlin,

Lafferty, Dallas, Hughes and Magennis. I think there is one more.

Magennis tries to bite his way through. -- to barge his way

through. The referee says that is not a foul.

He has had a good season personally in the SPFL. A former goalkeeper. I

watched them play and I came away thinking, he is not a goalkeeper and

he became one, but it didn't last long. It is an incredible journey.

It is. Would you have passed as a centre forward? I scored the other

day, so I can still knock one in the back of the net. Magennis has made a

run, towards the near post. The goalkeeper got a touch. He couldn't

hang onto it. It was a difficult one for Magennis to move towards the

target. That is what he is good at. And the keeper just gets to it

before Josh does. Josh probably puts the keeper off a bit. That is what

Keil gives you, that direct this -- what Kyle Lafferty gives you.

The goalkeeper had a bit of luck. I have just seen Donnie Evans

off-camera -- Jonny Evans. Paddy has done well tonight. The experience

will help him. A foul on Dallas. And another change. We can see the file

again on Dallas. leaves us, and he is repressed by

Matic Sir Nick, who is number 18. -- replaced.

Lafferty across the back post, but the flag was up for offside. Good

diagonal ball in from LcLaughlin. The header well won by Cathcart. He

made his debut against Slovenia in Maribor. He made the only goal that

night for Corry Evans. We were talking about it earlier. He was a

late replacement for Jonny Evans, who was sat in the stands that

evening, watching his brother scored a goal. He has not scored one since.

A difficult backpass for the goalkeeper, but he does well.

The familiar figure of us, wearing the gloves all night. -- the figure

of Birsa. Northern Ireland are on track for

another 1-0 home friendly win. It was 1-0 against Latvia in November,

when we were here. The same will do again for Michael O'Neill as he

prepares to make another change. It is going to be Niall McGinn to play

for the last 12 or 13 minutes. Lafferty is putting pressure on the

Slovenian back four. Off to Birmingham City after this for a

long spell between now and the end of the season, which can only be

good. I am not sure if he is nursing something, Lafferty. Keep an eye on

that. He was poking himself or feeling himself and stretching a

leg. So, time for the final substitution for Northern Ireland.

Paddy McNair is coming off, and Niall McGinn is coming on. Another

good night for Paddy McNair. He has timed his arrival on the

international scene perfectly. Another good performance. Yes, an

accomplished performance. He reads the game well. And he will get

better and better as time goes on. Niall McGinn was the last substitute

to score for Northern Ireland. He scored one in the group opener in

Hungary in the game in Budapest. Northern Ireland came from 1-0 down

for the first time ever to win a game. McGinn was a real catalyst

that night when he came off the bench, and was rewarded with a goal.

Slovenia are now making a change. Cesar is coming off. And he will be

replaced by Alli Asher true no. -- one of two brothers, Aljaz Struna.

He will get the last ten minutes. Magennis goes down again. The

referee gives the decision, and it will be a free kick.

Cathcart will be eyeing up another goal after scoring in Cardiff.

The referee has given a foul there. That is a good decision from the

ref. Magennis thought he was offside. Not

sure he was. Northern Ireland are on the verge of this little bit of

history we have spoken about, ten games unbeaten for the first time

ever. It will be the first time since 1998 that a Northern Ireland

team has won two home friendlies in a row. The first was against

Slovakia, followed by a 1-0 win against Switzerland. They have not

gone seven games at home unbeaten since 1992. They are extending a lot

of these runs at the right time, just before a major final when you

want to be going there with your tails up and with lots of positive

stories and plenty of momentum. Good performances and good results are

always a good thing to have. They have made a slight change now.

Magennis has moved over to the right. Norwood takes the corner.

This could be trouble. That shot was not going to trouble

Roy Carroll, from that sort of distance. Verbic got carried away a

bit. There was a misunderstanding at the edge of the box. They have a two

versus two. If they played the right pass, it

could have been slightly different. Aljaz Struna was happy to let that

one go out for a goal kick. Magennis is one you will see a lot of in this

Cottage Premiership. Yes, he has done in the well at Aberdeen. They

mainly play a 4-2-3-1. Again, he is having a really good

career. Slovenia have roughly five minutes plus luggage time --

stoppage time to find an equaliser. Northern Ireland will be hoping they

can keep another clean sheet. They had a clean sheet the last time they

were here in November against Latvia, as we were saying. It is a

strong, solid platform on which to build. If they do manage to see this

one out, it will mean that penalty in Cardiff will be the only goal

they have conceded. Sometimes you think maybe there is a tendency, or

we have taken our foot off the gas, but that hasn't happened. It is down

to Michael and the staff and the players. There is a great spirit

amongst them and they will want to keep this one going and keep the

feel-good factor going for as long as possible. There is a lot of

flexibility in the squad. The shot is deflected. It was Krhin

who had shot. Good defensive header. Birsa takes the corner. 2- Struna.

-- it is too high for Struna. Our Estonian referee decided that

was worthy. That was a clear foul and a yellow

card, but he did play at Anfield. Verbic has been cautioned. You have

to get the names correct. I have probably made a hash of the

pronunciation. I don't think we have done too bad. We are almost fluent!

Roy Carroll has already saved a penalty tonight. Birsa has been good

all night for them. Terrible corner. Norwood has to

concede another one. A few worrying moments. Carroll

comes for this one. That's a good punch, a good distance on it. Bursa

may go for a shot insert, no, goes for the cross. Cathcart quite happy

to have it out over on that far side.

The fourth official will appear surely I am sure with his electronic

board and it will tell us how many minutes we have left to play. With

the number of subs it should be more than three. Three minutes.

Samardzic. Fernandinho was able to get it out

to the right-hand side -- firm macro. He has seen quite a lot of

the ball since he has been introduced. There he is right on cue

finishing the half out Slovenia in Northern Ireland territory. The big

question is can they find a way past Rick Carroll. -- Roy Carroll.

That will not be a corner, Roy Carroll does remarkably well to keep

it in. Always on his toes, even at 38. He

has had a good day, made saves when he had to stop.

Your goalkeeper Tommy celebrating the birth of a child so

congratulations to Alan and all of the family who I'm sure our

celebrating, he will be... Who is your next game? Dundee United. They

are bottom. You may see Billy Mckay then? They will both be playing. The

announcement of the Man of the Match, no surprise, Conor Washington

who has scored his first international goal, he picks up his

first Man of the Match award on his first international appearance at

Windsor park. A night to remember for him. Hopefully many more to

come. From what we have seen tonight he would think so. Certainly he has

done himself proud, a great victory and the run continues. A great night

for Michael O'Neill and his staff, they can head to Munich tomorrow

after watching his team cord another win for Northern Island and setting

a new record of ten win for Northern Island and setting

defeat. Roy Carroll playing his part. Once saved from a penalty, a

vital intervention from a goalkeeper. A good night for the

manager and his players, the good run continues and just two games to

go now until the fans head off to France. Belarus at the end of the

may and at the end of that Michael O'Neill has two pick his squad and

they then head off to a training camp, Josh Magennis will hope he is

on that flight and then it'll be a game against the back year, Aaron

Hughes on 98 caps for hoping he can reach the century of appearances.

The first alpha player to get 200, you got 45 minutes tonight. Stuart

Dallas came off the bench. Slovenia played well in places but we did not

see too much from their bar a couple of chances in the second half. Good

night for Steve Davis the skipper and the rest of the players, it has

finished Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovenia.

STUDIO: David Healy and Keith Gillespie have been enjoying this

victory this evening. A very satisfying night in the office for

Michael O'Neill and the boys? He will be very happy, especially with

the clean sheet, you look at the great there, delighted, I'm blighted

for them because a difficult one and a tough season. He has been left out

of the team in favour of Michael in some qualifying games but he proved

his worth night. I am a big fan of Rick, the amounts of says he has

made, we talked about it, fortunately tonight he picked right

and a great save, I think one he made after was even better. 19 years

since the debut, he has been around for ever. He must be 48. He never

lets you down Roy. Two big saves tonight. Again it has given Michael

another nudge about who will start when we get to France and as you say

we played with Roy for quite a few years and is a great lad so we're

both to light up for him. This Northern Ireland team really seems

to be playing with a steely resolve, they are very hard to beat. We are

and that is a positive, clean sheets when you a lot of game and two clean

sheets into home friendlies, it has been a long time since we have won

games 1-0, especially in friendly so a lot of positives. I think the big

plus tonight is wrote in a couple of other players and Conor Washington

scoring on his home debut. Man of the Match try Conor Washington and

his plane ticket to France looks increasingly good. Fully deserved.

Maybe Roy Rand and close to the two says that he was a menace to the

Slovenian defence or not, he took his goal really well and could have

had another. It is hard work which counts. As we said at half-time,

four years ago playing non-league football, this is an absolute dream

to catapult into a major finals if you can. It is any see the reactions

from the crowd when he comes. He would have enjoyed that and the

crowd to. Windsor park faithful love goal-scorers. As you know. He is

only one behind Keith now which is good. Let's have a look at his

performance the CeBIT, what you like about, Washington? His workrate

strength, in European football sometimes referees would be inclined

to give a foul but he showed his strength and power. More than

anything his calmness and composure to reverse eyes the goalkeeper, a

great finish. He may have narrowed that angle himself but his strength,

he wants to go by, the confidence and has the ability. There is a big

plus tonight and he will only get better with experience. Considering

four years ago to where he is now, must be a dream come true. You see

her, people sometimes question need peoples commitment the cause, he

bonded quickly. He showed he would not stand and watch one of his

team-mates be blamed, he was unlucky at the time Jamie Ward, he was

coming to the goalkeeper who wanted to fight but Conor was there to back

him up and that is what every player wants to see. You can see my claim

you're being pleased, it must be difficult to parachute herself into

an already settled squad which has come through a qualifying campaign

and told the group as well? We have done exceptionally well. We are

always looking for a better and if he makes us better then he certainly

should be on the plane. You could see how delighted he was when he

came off there, had a nice embrace with Michael and certainly playing

his first home game, imported to hit the ground running. Get the fans on

your side because there are no better fans to have on your side, he

certainly ended to the fans and they were certainly vocal. Especially

when Roy Carroll made a penalty save, let's look at the incident

first penalty fair enough? Jonny save, let's look at the incident

begets court, -- may be get caught. I think there was contact and he

will be slightly disappointed. In European football, European

referees, they will give a penalty. We spoke about it, his ability to

save penalties, he has done that for a number of years now that I think

you've mentioned that. Fair play and I'm delighted for him. A great lad.

I know you both know him very well, I stood here at training earlier,

watching him safe penalty after penalty, it is something he

practices, a lot? He fancies themselves against

practices, a lot? He fancies penalties. We spoke off air about

how good he is at saving penalties and low and behold he gets a penalty

and they save it. He just guessed the right way and palm it away. It

has been a great night for him, he has been out for a while but he has

bounced back. Keeping a clean sheet will be crucial when it comes to

winning the year as and when you can pull a player like Roy Carroll and

have his ability to make great saves, and from open play as well?

This was a better save to be honest because it was lower down and again

Roy is getting on but he certainly showed that. The crowd love to see

that. A massive save, it shows the experience and there will be a call

coming, I know Michael left him out for reasons unknown to us but.

Judging by what you told us, there weren't too many of them, it is

something you have to practice before big tournaments. Wouldn't

want to see too many of those. Let's not get carried away to yet -- just

yet. Roy I was standing up in the studio with the boys and they were

actually saying I'd bet he saves this, how confident were you? Are

you telling the truth? Yesterday said it. I have been watching

penalties the last few days and I guess the right way, he was going

right down there in the two penalties before and I went earlier

rant saved it. We are looking at it. Was it a guest? Know I was doing it

in training and will practising penalties there so I had a lot of

penalties against me. It was nice to say that. 19 years ago you had a

baby, have you had a better evening in a Northern Ireland jersey? I have

enjoyed, it is nice to play in any game and nice to keep a clean sheet

and hopefully me and Michael can push for the number one, go to

France. At the end of the match there you milk at a little bit and

you are entitled to but what was it like? Brilliant, I had some bad

nights out there but this was fantastic. I'm loving every minute a

great pleasure and hopefully. The keeper there is a great lad, Scott

Loach, great to see him keeping a clean sheet. If anything people are

saying it was a better save. Filipe Luis you more always happy to just

get there? Any save is brilliant but it is hard getting down and it is

nice to get down and push it around for a corner kick. Not the best of

games but we got the result and we kept that, ten games unbeaten so

fantastic. Hopefully we can continue. Appreciate you joining us

thank you. You can hear obviously the importance of the record for the

players, they wanted to remain unbeaten but they wanted to remain

unbeaten because of the row to the finals. It is important. It brings

confidence, especially for new players. The record they will be on

and run, if they take it into the Euros and beaten, it'll be tough

games they play about going there with confidence, who knows. You to

know what it is like when Northern Ireland go on a run, when you have

been scoring goals match after match after match, does it bonded team and

does it going forward when a team can remain unbeaten? Without a

doubt. Confidence is up there for all to see. Winning games, you will

have confidence. If you keep winning games, keeping the momentum going,

they showed tonight it was not the greatest of games but that is what

you have to do at times, grind out results and I know it is only a

friendly but everyone wanted them to get those ten games unbeaten and

they were able to do that and we deserved to win tonight, albeit a

below par performance but as I say, the most important thing is a lot of

players got gametime and we were able to switch formations again. I

think the 3-5 to work very well. I think in the second half with

Slovenia they have a lot of the ball and I think that will be the case in

the summer where if we play that formation, other teens will have

more of the ball and the players will have to adapt and show that

they can defend well. Quite often when a team is without the ball it

seems a negative thing about Michael O'Neill is quite happy to watch his

team without it, a Northern Ireland team comes for whether or not in

possession. He works hard at it and the players are well drilled in and

out. When you go back, it's Meyler click five but what it does give you

is to strikers of the pitch -- it might look like. It gives you a base

to get into the game where you will not always be chasing, you need to

strikers of the pitch and Aaron Hughes coming on was good, delighted

he gets again, and another cap, a lot of positives. We will hear from

Conor Washington in a moment. Just before that give me your thoughts on

the other two strikers, Kyle Lafferty and Josh Magennis? Josh

came on and sometimes he played on the right and an unfamiliar role for

himself but one Michael alluded to that he is one of the strikers who

can play on the right, Kyle a quiet game for him tonight but he has not

played that much trouble, he will go and we spoke before, sometimes when

you have not been playing football, it is always the bounce of the

second games which you feel the effects but he will go to Berlin and

hopefully get games, as long as he does not go and get injured.

Sometimes when you're training U21 football, the competitive level is

not that high and you can sort of get away with it but now in the

hustle and bustle of the championship, maybe 2-3 games a week

competitive football, Birmingham pushing for the play-offs hopefully

he will go there and stays fit and healthy. Wrap him in cotton wool.

Letter from the Man of the Match. Congratulations, Man of the Match,

there you go and I said Hugh on Thursday night in Wales, it was a of

fairy tale, tonight the fairy tale came real and you score on your home

debut? What is it like? Crazy. I had the chance earlier which I was

disappointed not to see it going but, I thought the boys played

really well and I thought we deserved to win. The initial chance,

I think you heard Ward screaming? Yeah. I managed to get down the side

of him and as a striker as soon as you see the goal your eyes light up

and we think about it scoring so I did apologise to him, I haven't seen

him yet but I'll have a look back. Did you try to not making? On my

left that was the only place I could put up busy he is a good goalkeeper.

Talked me through your goal? The ball came over the top, just try to

move him out the way, I managed to and the second guy as well, cut

inside and the keyboards are really sort of going into the far corner so

I thought I will go for the near corner and it paid off. You are

saying off-camera that is what your game is about, hustle and bustle,

muscle and at the end the goal. I think I'm right in saying David

Healy up their reckons that is the first Northern Ireland player to

score on his own international debut in 15 years that George Lakhani

weighed against Iceland. I will take that, we set the ten game unbeaten

records that is brilliant for Northern Ireland and busy we are

looking forward to taking this into the next few games and into the

tournament. You were watching David, you are saying legend, did you know

that legend was dispatched by Michael O'Neill to what she to

Scalia and to look at whether or not you are good enough? That is

unbelievable. It has been a fairy tale, definitely the last eight

months have been. When you have people like David Healy coming to

watch it, you know you're doing an OK job. You must think one flat on

the flight? -- foot. I don't want to think about like that, just pleased

to get a start and a goal, just keep to working hard and see where it

takes us. One final question, watching you it seems that you have

integrated immediately, some are due by the at one point with the keeper,

you were very quickly in there, it seems the boys have accepted you and

you very much or part of the squad. Definitely, it was so easy to come

in, they were so welcoming, no egos here and I think that is why it they

have been so successful so I enjoyed by week. Some debut at home, well

done. Good team spirit, surely he must be allowing himself to dream he

is part of it. He should be especially after his performance by

all accounts. His performance might more or less without putting a

curse, more or less guarantees him a place. Rightly so, a difficult one

any Saudi reaction from Michael, he will be please, he stuck his neck

out, it is not easy to bring someone in the latter qualified, a positive

core and one paid off. Let's from Michael O'Neill. David

Healy saying a positive call by you, Conor Washington, the dream home a

view, we saw what he saw in him? Certainly and in his defence he did

not get the chance away from home to show that but we saw his hunger. You

know he is a raw striker and when I see them playing at League 1 level,

he was hungry. He showed it again tonight and made a goal out of

nothing. Just strength and power and equally he took it very well. At the

composure to finish and he deserved the goal, a great night. Could have

had one earlier, try to not make the keeper. He is so raw and so strong.

Get in the channel and running and he is strong enough to be able to

fight his way centre-backs, he does well specially when he is one on one

on the inside left channel. I thought the first chance he will

get, he will probably was disappointed that he didn't finish

it but as I say, the trademark of what I've seen. I asked if it felt

like one foot on the flight, he said not. You feel lucky as? It would be

unfair of me to say that and disrespectful of other player so as

I say, he has done himself no harm. Not only in the performance tonight

but in the whole seven days, the way he has trained, the way he's fit

into the group, I had no real reservations against that when I met

him personally, I got the feeling he was a good lad and he is has proven

that is fitting and you psyche will be an asset to us. You have now

eclipsed Billy Bingham, what does that mean for you and the squad and

he said pre-match players wanted it arguably more than you? It is lovely

when you achieve something like this. He was a manager who gave me

my a debut so means a little bit more that basis as well. Really for

the squad to win ten games, to go unbeaten sorry, for a country of our

size and to play six qualification games which we have done, a great

achievement, Irene emphasised that to the players and Aaron Hogg

heartedly agree and it was his 90th cap tonight. We want to build on the

confidence and we are asking our boys to stay up and they did it.

Michael Smith coming in, Shane Ferguson coming in and we are

getting more of these players every time we put them out. Thanks for

joining us. Less than 11 weeks for the opening match and the European

Championships, here are the games. Poland.

Steve Davis is preparing the skipper Northern Ireland for those finals

for the first time since 1986 and as he told me he is hoping his team can

leave a lasting impression. We want to go into the tournament is

full of confidence and we had conversations and there is

excitement building but still so much trouble to be played at this

point in time it is hard to take your eye off the ball. Definitely

one look ahead. Captain fantastic Steven Davis.

We are confident we can go other than show people what we are about.

You never know. After the disappointment of the

World Cup qualifying campaign which was a difficult period for us, I

think everybody believed in what Michael was trying to do, we were

not far away so it has been great to lead the team in. No coincidence the

only game he has missed was the only game they lost. The crowd I'm sure

will see following the footsteps of the greats? Of course very proud for

me to leave team. And follow in the footsteps of people like you just

name so I think Gareth McAuley said it be great for people to mention it

seeing our heroes grab so it is a challenge for us. Their home for the

tournament be the training facility outside Lyon, they will then leave

their two head to Nice. Here's what lies in store. The population is

under 350000 and is the second most popular tourist destination. The fan

zone will be situated right beside the beach in the city centre, do you

fancy Northern Ireland to make that opening game Chris Mac going in the

mood they I would believe the confidence is there, the players

believe they are certainly going then just to make the numbers up.

Exactly the second game will be here in Ukraine, 30 minutes from the

training base. What you reckon? Again a game we are capable of

winning and the draw has been kind that we can play the lesser teams

before we meet Germany. Final game against the champions the one we are

all looking forward to. A huge game, huge for the fans to play against

the war chaplains in Paris, it is a game that everybody is looking

forward to. Players, staff, fans. A big occasion. Thank you very much,

we are certainly looking forward to the summer, tonight it is another

Northern Ireland win. They have the record. From all other say goodbye.

-- of us here. The British Isles

are full of secrets and surprises just waiting

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..the breathtaking... It's freezing!

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our countryside's best kept secrets. Delete Delete Delete

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