Why Blackpool's Shayne Lavery won't have fond memories of second Northern Ireland goal
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The striker scored on the stroke of half-time on Thursday night as Ian Baraclough’s men slumped to a 3-2 defeat in Kosovo.
Northern Ireland have taken just one point from their opening three Nations League games, while they’re without a win in their last 13 games in the competition - resulting in growing pressure on Baraclough.
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Hide AdAs for Lavery, it was the 23-year-old’s second goal for his country and his first since his debut effort in the 4-1 win against Lithuania last year.
But for obvious reasons, it’s not a goal that will live long in the memory.
“I obviously want to score,” he said. “I want to score winners or goals that nick a draw or something.
“You obviously want to score for your country, but I won’t be looking too fondly back at it.
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Hide Ad“To be honest, I just want a win. I think we all deserve that. It’s been a tough 10 days or so, so we really want to finish it off in front of the fans with a win.”
Lavery will be looking to add to his tally when Northern Ireland host Cyprus in Belfast on Sunday.
Baraclough’s side will be looking for a much improved performance than what they offered up against Kosovo at the back end of last week.
“The game could have been gone at 2-0, it could have been gone at 3-1, but we showed great character to keep fighting,” Lavery insisted.
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Hide Ad“Overall we’re disappointed with the result but I thought our performance was better compared to the previous two games. I think we were unlucky not to get something in the end.
“To hear the fans when you’re on the pitch is a great credit to them, they’ve been brilliant. They followed us to Cyprus as well.
“We owe them a big one on Sunday, that’s for sure.”
Elsewhere, Blackpool teammate CJ Hamilton will be looking to make his first start when the Republic of Ireland host Scotland today (5pm kick-off).
Kenny Dougall, meanwhile, has it all to play for on Monday when Australia take on Peru for a spot in this winter’s World Cup.