Healy happy to be on the mark

Northern Ireland’s record scorer David Healy claimed he would “die a happy man” after ending his long wait for another goal at Windsor Park.

Northern Ireland’s record scorer David Healy claimed he would “die a happy man” after ending his long wait for another goal at Windsor Park.

The 33-year-old, whose goals engineered famous wins over the likes of England and Spain under Lawrie Sanchez, had not found the net for four years until last night’s 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan.

The drought lasted for 24 matches, many of them from the bench, and it appeared as though he may never get the chance to celebrate in front of his own supporters again.

But although last night’s result was hugely disappointing, Healy’s late appearance off the bench and his 95th-minute free-kick gave the home support something to cheer.

Speaking after his 36th international strike, the Bury striker said: “If I die tomorrow, I’d die a happy man.

“I love playing for my country and I love scoring goals.

“I didn’t play here in the last few games but I always had that thought, or dream, in my head that I would love to score at least one more goal in front of the Kop at Windsor Park.

“Everyone probably knows the last time I scored a goal and I had it in my head if I could score at least one more goal at Windsor I’d be a happy man. I can go home now and be happy.”

Northern Ireland should have been home and dry well before Healy’s introduction and missed a handful of simple chances as the likes of Craig Cathcart, Chris Baird and Kyle Lafferty all squandered straight forward openings.

Cathcart admitted the hosts left frustrated.

“We had enough chances to win three or four games,” said the Blackpool defender.

“I had chances myself but we just couldn’t seem to hit the target even though we had opportunities close in around the goal.

“A few of the lads had chances but it just wasn’t to be.”

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final UEFA to consider increasing Euro 2024 squad sizes at meeting next month
Nottingham Forest 1979 European Cup Winners Larry Lloyd, former Nottingham Forest and Liverpool defender, dies aged 75
Camogie Association targets record-breaking 50,000 All-Ireland final attendance Camogie Association targets record-breaking 50,000 All-Ireland final attendance
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited