Healy thrilled after shock win

David Healy has spoken of his pride at scoring a hat-trick in Northern Ireland’s stunning 3-2 win over Spain in their Euro 2008 qualifier last night.

Manager Lawrie Sanchez, meanwhile, said nothing at all, preferring to keep his thoughts to himself as Healy and the rest of the side took a well-deserved lap of honour at Windsor Park.

On the eve of the anniversary of the triumph against England in which he scored the winner, the Leeds striker savoured the moment.

The victory was all the more unlikely given that Northern Ireland had lost to Iceland just four days earlier.

Healy told BBC2 Northern Ireland: “I love nights at Windsor Park. Everybody felt we let people down on Saturday.

“The players were more disappointed than the fans but we showed our character more than anything. We have bounced back and it is a massive occasion.”

Northern Ireland twice came from behind with Spain making the breakthrough in the 14th minute to score their 1,000th goal through Xavi.

However, Northern Ireland regrouped and equalised in the 20th minute when Healy pounced on a mistake by Xabi Alonso to score from close range.

The goal came after Kyle Lafferty had flicked on a long free-kick from Taylor.

Spain went back in front in the 52nd minute through David Villa after a neat through ball from Cesc Fabregas.

Northern Ireland, however, showed their fighting spirit in the 65th minute to make it 2-2.

Sammy Clingan shaped to play a free-kick from the right into the box but instead sent it short along the floor to Healy.

He reacted superbly to fire a shot into the corner and send the crowd wild.

Incredibly Healy sealed the points for Northern Ireland in the 79th minute when he completed his hat-trick with a cool finish.

He lobbed the ball over Iker Casillas from 25 yards after a long clearance from goalkeeper Maik Taylor.

Sanchez decided not to give a press conference and could now face a fine from UEFA.

No reason was given but Irish Football Association chief executive Howard Wells said: “It has been a difficult and traumatic time.”

Relations between Sanchez and the press have become slightly strained.

A newspaper ran a front-page story on the day of the game about players enjoying a Saturday night out in Belfast.

It is understood Sanchez gave them permission to leave the team hotel and no curfews were broken.

Captain Aaron Hughes added: “We’re delighted not just with the result but how we went about it.

“Hopefully we answered a few things that were asked of us and hopefully shut a few people up. We were disappointed on Saturday but got our just rewards today. We’ve beaten one of the best teams in the world.”