North can still get to the World Cup, says Healy

DAVID HEALY believes in miracles — and that Northern Ireland have a fighting chance of reaching the World Cup finals.

The Sunderland striker got his first goal of the campaign in the 4-0 victory against San Marino at Windsor Park on Wednesday night.

That strike triggered a rout — with Grant McCann, Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis also finding the target.

Northern Ireland are five points behind Group 3 leaders Slovakia — but with San Marino providing the opposition in February, confidence is growing in the camp.

Healy said: “It would be nothing short of a miracle to get to the finals — but miracles happen and that is the big prize. We have let a few points slip already but we are back in the frame. You just never know. We will not be giving up the ghost.

“No disrespect to San Marino. We are expected to beat them again in February, and I would be disappointed if that was not the case.”

Healy’s goal was his 35th in 69 international appearances but his first in five matches, including the draw in a friendly against Scotland when he missed a penalty.

“I was never beating myself up about the situation,” he said.

“When you score a lot of goals, people expect things — and when you do not deliver, some of them might take a little pop at you.

“But that is the way football is. This was not one of my better goals — but they all count.”

Like Healy, Scunthorpe midfielder McCann was delighted to score — especially after a 13-month absence from international football. He said: “I have started to play well again for Scunthorpe and got my match fitness up. I was really pleased to score and start the last two games.

“I began to think I would never get back into the squad, especially with Scunthorpe getting relegated. But we are doing well this season, and I hope I can remain in the international set-up.”

The north are next in action on November 19, hosting Hungary in a friendly, and a number of fringe players could be given a chance.

Manager Nigel Worthington said: “Some players might not be available because of club commitments, and that is fine. I have no problem with that. It will give me an opportunity to throw one or two people in and see what they can do.”