NORTHERN Ireland manager Nigel Worthington had reasons to be cheerful as his side finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with a creditable goalless draw in Prague.
Keeping a clean sheet against the Czechs was one positive, the other was an impressive display by Niall McGinn, making his first start. The Celtic midfielder kept the home side on their toes with his pace and movement and was unlucky not to get on th
e scoresheet. So even though they will not progress in the competition, Northern Ireland rediscovered some pride after the shattering defeat by Slovakia last time around.
Even though the province have a dreadful record on the road they were knocking the ball about well and using McGinn and Damien Johnson on the flanks whenever possible.
McGinn nearly made the breakthrough in the 41st minute. He latched on to a good ball from Rangers' Steven Davis and clipped in a half-volley. Petr Cech was slow to react but just managed to turn the ball around the post.
The Czechs were anxious to finish on a winning note and almost went ahead in the 85th minute. Jankulovski cracked in a shot from the edge of the area but Maik Taylor was equal to it and parried the ball to safety.
Czech Republic: Cech, Pospech, Hubnik, Sivok, Jankulovski, Jarolim, Hubschman, Rosicky, Plasil, Baros, Necid. Subs: Kinsky, Grygera, Hlousek, Rozehnal, Stajner, Papadopulos, Pudil.
Northern Ireland: Taylor, McAuley, McGivern, Hughes, Craigan, Johnson, Baird, McGinn, McCann, Davis, Healy. Subs: Tuffey, Mannus, Coates, Feeney, O'Connor, Kirk, McCourt.
Referee: L Duhamel (Fra) Att: 8,006.
