07/06/2004

'More goals' declares NI's top striker

Record Northern Irish international goal scorer David Healy has said that he wants "more goals" to up the target for future players.

The Preston North End striker scored two goals in a 3-0 friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago to take his tally for Northern Ireland to 14.

Healy, who said it was an "honour" to play for Northern Ireland, said that to be known as the top goal scorer was "something else".

In the match against Trinidad and Tobago the 24-year-old striker equalled the long-standing record set by Colin Clarke with a goal from a free kick before slotting home a header from Andy Smith to become Northern Ireland's all time top international goal scorer with a tally of 14.

It took Northern Ireland only four minutes to hit the net with David Healy scoring from a 40 yard free kick after he had been fouled. Trinidad would have scored an equaliser through Stern John except for a save from captain Maik Taylor. Northern Ireland scored again before half time when Stuart Elliott scored from close range after a Healy cross.

In the second-half Healy finished off the scoring by putting the ball into the net after a poorly cleared corner and thrust himself into the Northern Ireland record books.

NI Manager Lawrie Sanchez was delighted with his team as they stretched their unbeaten record to five games - the side's best run in 25 years. He said: "It will build up our confidence significantly for the World Cup games".

The 3-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago at the Dwight Yorke Stadium yesterday saw Northern Ireland finish off their Caribbean Tour with an emphatic flourish.

Healy has now scored six goals in six caps for Northern Ireland, the most recent a score in the 2-0 win over St Kitts and another in the 1-1 draw with Barbados.

(SP)

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