North ‘back in the hunt’ after victory

NORTHERN Ireland manager Nigel Worthington insisted his side are “back in the mix” after they completed the double over San Marino in their World Cup qualifying group.

Goals from Gareth McAuley and substitute Chris Brunt — their first at international level — were the highlights of a 3-0 victory.

With Grant McCann also finding the target, the North have been propelled into second place in Group Three on goal difference, although they have played a game more than their rivals.

He said: “The goal was to get the three points and we achieved that to go second in the table.

“That sets us up nicely for the match against Poland. We have played a game more but we are back in the mix.

“It was a very professional, solid performance tonight. We scored three goals and kept a clean sheet, so it was very pleasing. I was delighted with our attitude.

“People might say it is only San Marino but you still have to go out and do the job. The big plus was getting an early goal. That settled everyone down.”

McAuley made the breakthrough in the seventh minute with a superb half-volley following a corner from McCann.

Scunthorpe midfielder McCann then extended their lead with an equally fine strike 25 minutes later.

And Northern Ireland sealed an emphatic victory in the 63rd minute when Brunt’s free-kick went under the goalkeeper’s body.

Worthington said: “We cannot just rely on David Healy to get goals. We need other people to weigh in and to get three different scorers in this game is very pleasing.

“McCann has done exactly as we asked. He has passed the ball well and kept it simple.”

Lafferty, however, is out of the Poland game along with Steven Davis and George McCartney, who all picked up yellow cards.

SAN MARINO: Federico Valentini, Carlo Valentini, Della Valle, Davide Simoncini, Vannucci, Bacciocchi (Fabio Vitaioli 79), Berretti, Muccioli (Bugli 67), Michele Marani, Matteo Vitaioli (Casadei 86), Manuel Marani.

NORTHERN IRELAND: Taylor, McAuley, Craigan, Hughes (McCourt 81), McCartney, Johnson, McCann, Davis, Healy, Paterson (Feeney 76), Lafferty (Brunt 55).

Referee: Dragomir Stankovic (Serbia).