IFA want recognition for sharpshooter Healy

THE IRISH Football Association are calling for David Healy to be rewarded by UEFA for breaking Davor Suker’s 12-year record in a European Championship qualifying campaign.

Healy goes into the final match against Spain on Wednesday on 13 goals, three ahead of Croatia’s Eduardo da Silva.

The Northern Ireland and Fulham striker set a new best at the weekend with a glorious winner in the 2-1 victory over Denmark.

He is clear favourite to finish head of the pack overall in the qualifiers — but there is no Golden Boot on offer, or any prize whatsoever.

Now the IFA are backing manager Nigel Worthington and believe the record scorer should have some silverware.

President Raymond Kennedy said: “I fully support Nigel and we will be writing to UEFA to see if we can put the wheels in motion to get something done.

“To score 13 goals for a small country is a marvellous achievement when you look at the bigger names playing for superior nations, who have more chances to score.

“The nice thing about David is he is very down to earth. He does not have any airs and graces. He is very much a team player.”

Healy was given time off like the rest of the squad as Worthington cancelled a training session yesterday morning in the Gran Canaria sunshine after the gruelling victory against Denmark.

Instead the players were told to rest and recuperate at their luxury base in the south of the island.

That stamina-sapping win at rain-lashed Windsor Park leaves Northern Ireland with an outside chance of qualifying for Euro 2008.

However they have to beat Spain — who have already booked their place — and hope Latvia defeat Sweden for the dream to become a reality.

Keith Gillespie and Jonny Evans will be both sit out the match through suspension but Kyle Lafferty returns after a ban.

Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan looks certain to retain his place after another impressive performance against Denmark.

Craigan has been one of unsung heroes of the campaign. The bigger the stage, the better he seems to perform.

He is relishing the challenge that is immediately ahead and pitting his wits against the Spanish stars.

Craigan said: “It is an honour to play for my country. I do not mind who we face, whether it is a big side or a small side. You know when you come up against top class players you have to raise your game.’’