N. Ireland's footballing matadors tame Spanish bull

Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy was full of praise today for his "young lions" following last night's remarkable 0-0 draw with footballing giants Spain in Belfast.

McIlroy's team, made up of premiership, lower division and part-time players, gave the likes of Raul and Morientes the fright of their lives in what many supporters are calling the best Northern Ireland performance in years.

Close to 12,000 fans turned Windsor Park into a fortress of noise as Sammy's men harassed and cajoled their Spanish counterparts with tight defending, aggressive tackles and some swift counter attacks.

In fact Northern Ireland had the best chance of the game when striker David Healy went one-on-one with goalkeeper Casillas but his shot was brilliantly saved.

Spain themselves had numerous chances to score but some fine saves from an outstanding Maik Taylor in goals, and a little bit of luck, gave Northern Ireland a moral victory they most certainly deserved.

Boss McIlroy, who had his name chanted by fans throughout the game, was full of praise for his team.

He said: "The effort, commitment and passion was as good as I have ever seen it either as a player of manager.

''I thought that Maik Taylor had a stormer. When you are put under the cosh you need a goalkeeper who can make vital stops.

"My back four were also outstanding. I have said I want George McCartney and Aaron Hughes to be my pairing in the centre and they can play at this level for a at least another 10 years."

McIlroy was also pleased at the performance of Glentoran's Andy Smith, playing in only his second match for his country.

He added: ''Andy's fitness for an Irish league player is quite unbelievable. He has courage and endeavour and I'm sure clubs will be queuing up to sign him if they're watching this type of match."

While many journalists reminded Sammy of the fact that Northern Ireland have now gone 972 minutes without a goal, it won't have bothered him. His side rattled the Spanish bull with a performance that is sure to spur them on in their next matches against Ukraine and Armenia in September.

(MB)