Two-goal McCourt inspires North

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington saluted a superb showing from Pat McCourt as the Celtic winger wowed Windsor Park with a dazzling performance against the Faroe Islands.

The 27-year-old was making a first competitive start and rose to the occasion with aplomb, running the Group C minnows ragged and scoring two memorable goals in a 4-0 win.

Captain Aaron Hughes and midfielder Steven Davis got the others but it was McCourt’s constant dribbling – and a wonderful 88th-minute chip – that will linger.

Hughes had ambitiously likened his team-mate to Lionel Messi yesterday and he did not wilt under such lofty expectations.

“Paddy is just an entertainer,” said Worthington.

“He’s always had the individual ability and now he has become more of a team player too.”