SM
Yemen vs. Saudi Arabia: 12 hrs 42 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
BN
Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage
Jun 11, 2019 at 7.45pm UK
 
NI

0-1

 
FT(HT: 0-0)
McNair (86')

Paddy McNair hails "incredible feeling" of first international goal

:Headline: Paddy McNair hails 'incredible feeling' of first international goal: ID:361777: from db_amp
The 24-year-old sealed a 1-0 win for Northern Ireland against Belarus.

Paddy McNair plans on inviting his parents on more Northern Ireland trips after giving his mother an early birthday present with his first international goal on Tuesday night.

Claire and Alan had made the trip to Borisov to watch their 24-year-old son in action for his country, and saw him score the 85th-minute winner which gave Northern Ireland a 1-0 victory over Belarus.

"It was mad," McNair said. "I've always wanted to score for Northern Ireland so it was an incredible feeling.

"It was also lovely to score in front of my mum and dad. It's also my mum's birthday tomorrow so it was really nice and an early birthday present for her.

"They don't get to many away games so I'll have to get them to come to more in the future."

Northern Ireland finished the game the stronger of the two teams, but even Michael O'Neill admitted he feared victory was beyond them as time ticked down.

But with five minutes left, Jordan Jones fed McNair on the left and he raced towards goal, skipping over a challenge from Sergei Kislyak and driving the ball under goalkeeper Aleksandr Gutor.

"I think I was due one," said McNair, who earned his 29th cap. "I got a bit of stick for missing one in Estonia so it was good to get on the score-sheet and what a time to get it so late on.

"I don't know what went through my head when the ball hit the back of the net – it's a bit of a blur."

The victory gives Northern Ireland a maximum 12 points from four games, with the last three wins all coming with goals scored inside the last 10 minutes.

That statistic is even more impressive given both Tuesday's match and the 2-1 win over Estonia in Tallinn on Saturday were played in hot and humid conditions.

"I think the fitness amongst the lads is great and that showed, particularly in that heat," McNair said.

"It was tough going but our fitness told towards the end and it was nice to get a win."

Northern Ireland remain top of the group, and are crucially nine points ahead of Holland.

Ronald Koeman's team have two games in hand but the pressure will be on for them to make up ground quickly, not an easy task given their next qualifier is away to Germany in September.

"To be where we are halfway through the campaign is unbelievable and it definitely puts the pressure on Germany and Holland to keep winning games," McNair said.

"They still have to come to Belfast and they know they'll have to beat us when the time comes.

"Being top of the group sounds nice and we'll enjoy it, but we know there's still a lot of work to do and our focus will soon turn to the games in September."

amp_article__361777 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-06-12 06:58:57:
html db last update - 2019-06-12 06:58:57 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Paddy McNair

Click here for more stories about Northern Ireland

Share this article now:
Read more about Paddy McNair Football
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .