Posted by Will Taylor

David Healy has praised his international team mate, Pat McCourt for his stunning goal against the Faroe Islands.

Northern Ireland romped to an emphatic 4-0 win over the Faroes on Wednesday, and Celtic man, McCourt’s goal was the highlight of the game.

He has been branded the ‘Derry Pele’ by journalists in his own country, and such acclaim in not undue either.

Healy, who plays his club football for Celtic’s arch-rivals, Rangers, said the goal was something you would expect from Lionel Messi.

He said: “He has all the ability in the world and he goes past defenders as if it's too easy.

“He will lose possession the odd time but it was nice to hear the fans singing: 'Are you Messi in disguise?'

“Paddy did what everyone knows he can do – score two magnificent goals.”

Healy, who was Europe’s leading goal scorer in Euro 2008 qualification, admits that he can sometimes be left in awe of McCourt’s skill.

He added: “Paddy's a star – he's always been a star. I can remember his first game when Sammy McIlroy brought him in against Spain and people were asking: 'What is going on?'”

Northern Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2008, despite Healy’s incredible goal scoring record.

And even though McCourt’s goal will be remembered by fans for a long time, qualification for Euro 2012 is still some way off.

Manager, Nigel Worthington says it is important that his side now focus on trying to qualify, but knows it will be a hard ask.

For all the result looked impressive on paper, Worthington knows that it was certainly no stroll in the park.

Worthington said: “The most important thing was getting the points but we made hard work of it in the first-half after getting a perfect start.

"We got a perfect start because we did what we had practised in training. It got a bit sloppy because we were happy to play in front of the Faroes which suited them, but we sorted one or two things out at half-time and they carried it out to the letter."

Northern Ireland’s next game is against Serbia at Windsor Park on September 2. It is important that they pick up another win if they are to progress.

Elsewhere, will Wesley Sneijder be wearing an Inter Away Shirt next season? Or will he go to Manchester United? Who knows!!!