Worthington hails goal-hero Lafferty

NIGEL WORTHINGTON believes Northern Ireland can upset the odds and qualify for Euro 2008.

The dream is still alive after a superb goal from Kyle Lafferty denied Sweden the victory they need to secure a place in the finals.

Northern Ireland will need to beat Denmark and Spain in their last two games to complete a remarkable fairytale.

Worthington claims they are on track following back-to-back defeats by Latvia and Iceland.

“Of course we can get points from the last two games, ” said the Northern Ireland manager.

“It will not be an easy game against Denmark but we will be looking for a repeat performance of tonight.

“To come to Sweden, who are top of the group with quality players all around Europe, it is great credit to us that we got a point.”

That seemed beyond Northern Ireland when Mellberg opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he volleyed home at the back post.

However, they battled back and Lafferty equalised with a superb individual effort in the 72nd minute.

The Burnley striker took advantage when Petter Hansson slipped then got away from Mellberg before finding the corner with his effort.

Worthington said: “It was a superb equaliser and I am delighted for him. He works hard for the team.

“He has got it down and hustled the defender. Then he has had the courage to smack it in the back of net.”

Lafferty was more modest about his contribution.

“Every goal you score for Northern Ireland is (special),” he said afterwards.

“I never gave up. It’s really down to the team performance.”

Worthington was proud of the way the team performed after going a goal behind.

He said: “I thought the players were outstanding. You have to admire our play and work-rate.

“When we played Iceland and Latvia last month, the play was there but the work rate was not.

“The players have worked hard the last few days and they have got a well-deserved reward.

“The only blip in the first half was we were disappointed to concede the goal.

“I was delighted with the passing, the work ethic.

“We said at half-time, as long as we keep it at 1-0, we might just get back into it.

“It shows the players what they need to do without me harping on about.

“They can play good football and when they work hard the two go hand and hand and you get results.”

SWEDEN: Isaksson, Concha, Mellberg, Hansson, Edman, Linderoth, Svensson, Wilhelmsson (Nilsson 45), Kallstrom (Johansson 85), Ibrahimovic, Elmander (Allback 73).

NORTHERN IRELAND: Taylor, McAuley, Hughes, McCartney (Capaldi 87), Craigan, Davis, Clingan, Brunt, Healy, Sproule, Lafferty.

Referee: Bertrand Layec (France).