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.
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.”
