Healy eyeing Euro spot as North on brink

RECORD scorer David Healy insists he is motivated by medals not money, on the eve of Northern Ireland’s most important match in 21 years.

Not since the 1986 World Cup finals has there been such a buzz of anticipation in the North.

Should Spain be defeated tonight and Latvia overcome Sweden then Northern Ireland will become the smallest nation to take their place in Austria and Switzerland for the Euro 2008 finals.

The rewards are tangible as a well — a bonus of around £1million (€1.4) to be shared among the players and coaching staff remains on the table from the Irish Football Association.

Healy’s priority is to add to his 13-goal tally and spark a carnival atmosphere among the 5,000 travelling fans.

“It is not about the bonus, though; it is about the chance to play in a major finals.

“You go away on holiday and watch World Cups and European Championships on television.

“It would be nice to be there for a change in Austria and Switzerland. That’s the aim.”

Healy echoes the thoughts of manager Nigel Worthington that Spain — who are expected to ring the changes after qualifying — can be beaten.

The host nation are well aware of the damage the striker can do, because he scored all the goals in a famous 3-2 victory last year.

Healy continued his remarkable efforts in front of goal at the weekend, with the winner in the 2-1 success against Denmark.

He said: “It is a big challenge tomorrow and probably our biggest game since the World Cup in 1986.

“We can face Spain with confidence. We have a lot of character in our squad.”

Healy takes heart from the fact that Israel and Macedonia both chalked up shock victories against Russia and Croatia at the weekend.

He said: “It shows you what can happen, and those two results give us hope.

“I hope Latvia can do us a favour and beat Sweden. That would be excellent.”