Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia

 Northern Ireland produced a fantastic performance to defeat Russia in a 2014 World Cup Qualifier on another memorable night at Windsor Park. The victory was Northern Ireland’s first in two years and also manager Michael O’Neil’s first since taking up the role.

 Northern Ireland were quickly out of the blocks with Niall McGinn attempting an ambitious volley which flew wide while Martin Paterson tested Igor Akinfeev in the Russian goal. However Russia also pressed forward and after Alan Dzagoev worked an opening in the box it required a brilliant sliding tackle from Gareth McAuley to deny him.

 As half time approached Northern Ireland had what seemed to be the best chance of the first half. Quick thinking Daniel Lafferty took a quick free kick just inside the Russian half. He passed to Jamie Ward who powered towards the Russian goal and unleashed a shot which rattled the post before Paterson was unable to bundle the rebound in.

 The Green and White Army where in full voice, buoyed by their teams impressive first half display, and moments after Ward’s chance they were celebrating their side taking the lead.  McGinn showed his pace to reach a long ball down the right before whipping a cross into the box. Paterson climbed highest in the box and headed the ball into the Russian goal to send Windsor Park wild.

 In the 58^th minute Paterson thought he had added a second after he headed in following Craig Cathcart’s header back across goal however it was disallowed for offside. Russia looked to make the most of their reprieve but they were unable to break through Northern Ireland’s resilient defence which meant that at the full time whistle it was Northern Ireland who could celebrate another famous victory.  

Released Players to Miss Russia Match

 Michael O’Neil chose to omit Chris Baird, David Healy and Pat McCourt from his Northern Ireland squad for the rearranged World Cup qualifier against Russia on August 14^th. All three players were released by the former clubs at the end of last season and are currently without a club. Baird was released by Fulham and speculation had seen him linked with Queens Park Rangers however so far the move has not developed. Meanwhile McCourt has been training with Hibernian following his release by Celtic while Healy has been without a club since Bury released him.

 Despite their omissions from the squad O’Neil has refused to suggest this is the end of their international careers and stated that they would be in contention for a recall when their club career had been sorted out. He said “I think it is very difficult for any of our players who are unattached at the minute, and having spoken to the players themselves, they are in full agreement with that”. He also added “It would be difficult to bring in players who haven’t had a proper pre-season” and “it would be unrealistic to ask those players to have any sort of impact or influence on an international fixture”.

 Midfielder Chris Brunt is another notable absentee. The midfielder misses out through suspension as a result of the late booking he picked up in the last qualifier against Israel. Another midfielder, Sammy Clingan, also misses out through injury. However striker Kyle Lafferty returns to the squad having missed the last qualifier against Israel due to suspension.

Full squad: Carroll (Olympiacos), Mannus (St. Johnstone), Hughes (Fulham), McGivern (Hibernian), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), D Lafferty (Burnley), J Evans (Manchester United), Bruce (Hull), Davis (Southampton), Norwood (Huddersfield), McGinn (Aberdeen), Ferguson (Newcastle), C Evans (Blackburn), McCann (Peterborough), Ward (Derby), Grigg (Brentford), McKay (Inverness), Paterson (Huddersfield), K Lafferty (Palermo)