Worthington praises NI attitude

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington praised his players after starting his reign with a 3-1 win over Liechtenstein in the Euro 2008 qualifier.

"The attitude of the players all week has been superb - they worked hard and listened before going out and doing the business on the pitch," he said.

"We were a bit sloppy in the last five minutes but I suppose you can't have everything in life.

"It's a good result but now we have to focus on the next game."

Report: Healy the hero as NI triumph Interview: Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington

David Healy scored twice in the Windsor Park win but it was the performance of teenager Kyle Lafferty which pleased Worthington most.

The Burnley striker missed an easy chance before netting N Ireland 's third goal in the second half.

"The big man (Lafferty) has great ability, I've got a lot of belief in him and he has a big future," added Worthington.

"I said to the team this week that others players have to score, not just David Healy.

"He missed a great opening in the first half but stuck to it and got his just reward. His work rate was absolutely magnificent.

"I picked him ahead of Warren Feeney because I felt a bit of height could cause Liechtenstein problems and Lafferty did just that in style."

There was both a new manager and captain in south Belfast, with Chris Baird donning the armband in the absence of Aaron Hughes.

The Fulham defender believes Worthington has already made a positive impact on the squad.

"The boys have taken on board the rules and ideas Nigel has - he's big on discipline and it's sunk in already with the players," said Baird.

"It showed in this game - we're sticking together as a team and we are giving the performances still.

"We've got two tough away games coming up but we know we can get six points and push on for qualification."

Source: BBC Sport