Keith Gillespie started the move in the 35th minute and Healy calmly lifted the ball over Maris Smirnovs before slipping it past goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko.

It took his tally to 24 goals in 54 appearances and came on the back of his hat-trick at the ground in the 3-2 victory against Spain.

Sanchez said: “David will score goals at every level he plays. You test him at the highest level and he will not be found wanting.

“David told me it was his first real effort in the game and you have to pay credit to him.

“He had a migraine but he is a lad with no airs and graces.

“He keeps on breaking records for us and is a good, honest pro.”

The North are third in Group F with seven points and midfielder Steven Davis is in upbeat mood going into the five-month break.

“David popped up with a goal again and it’s nice to go into the long break with seven points and another win,” he told BBC Northern Ireland.

“Everything is positive at the moment.”

The North had only one real scare when Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor came to the rescue in the 72nd minute, bravely saving from Girts Karlsons.

Sanchez claimed: “That’s the ninth victory since I took over and means we have become the most successful team since the Billy Bingham era.

“It is very pleasing to get this win and to lie on seven points after the first stage.

“However I have to say the victory was not as comfortable as I would have liked.

“The players, though, have shown great resilience and are a credit to themselves and their profession.

“We got off to a poor start but we have bounced back by beating Spain, drawing with Denmark and now beating Latvia. I have to be satisfied.”