Lafferty's stock rises

Kyle Lafferty savoured the moment after keeping alive Northern Ireland’s slim hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008.

The Burnley striker, 20, grabbed a stunning equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Sweden and prevented the hosts from securing a place in the finals in front of their home fans.

Lafferty cancelled out Olof Mellberg’s opener in the 15th minute with his third goal for the North.

Showing an excellent touch, he skipped away from Petter Hansson and then Mellberg before firing a shot into the corner.

Lafferty said: “That was the best game of my career. It was a great night for me personally but I do not want to take anything away from the team.

“Our hopes were dented against Latvia and Iceland but now we have a real chance of qualifying.”

Manager Nigel Worthington said: “It was a superb equaliser and I am delighted for him. He works hard for the team.

“He has got it down and hustled the defender. Then he has had the courage to smack it in the back of net.”

Lafferty was reinstated to the team as Warren Feeney was suspended and the goal was his reward for a hard night’s work.

But he will miss the next match against Denmark after he picked up his second yellow card of qualifying at the Rasunda Stadium.

Northern Ireland need to win that game and the last one against Spain if they are to book their place in Austria and Switzerland.

Worthington believes it is not beyond them.

“Of course we can get points from the last two games, ” he said.

“It will not be an easy game against Denmark but we will be looking for a repeat performance of the Sweden game.

“To come here against a side who are top of the group with quality players all around Europe, it is great credit to us that we got a point.”

Worthington was proud of the way the team performed after going a goal behind.

He said: “I thought the players were outstanding. You have to admire our play and work-rate.

“When we played Iceland and Latvia last month the play was there but the work-rate was not.

“The players have worked hard the last few days and they have got a well-deserved reward.