Ian Baraclough sees nervy win over Luxembourg as sign of character

Ian Baraclough admitted a 3-1 scoreline might have flattered Northern Ireland in Friday’s friendly victory over Luxembourg but praised his side’s character in fighting to the finish.

Steven Davis and Gavin Whyte struck in the 83rd and 85th minutes to give Northern Ireland the victory after Josh Magennis’ early strike had been cancelled out by Marvin Martin, with Luxembourg looking the more likely winners for much of the second half.

Baraclough will have plenty to pick out of the performance he described as a “mixed bag” as he turns attention towards Tuesday’s home match against Hungary, but Northern Ireland left the Stade de Luxembourg with confidence high again after showing a ruthless streak in front of goal.

“Did we deserve 3-1? Some people may say not but we took our chances,” Baraclough said. “We played like a team that haven’t been together for five months. Luxembourg, they’ve not been together either but they clicked straight away.

“We were a bit rusty but I’m delighted with the win. Did we deserve 3-1? Maybe not but that’s the way the games go sometimes when you don’t play well but come away with a win – maybe that’s the mark of a decent team. It shows good character.”

Northern Ireland started the match strongly, creating a string of chances as Magennis and Shayne Lavery bullied the Luxembourg defence, rewarded when Magennis stole possession from Maxime Chanot and finished from a tight angle.

But Baraclough’s men could not keep their grip on the game and Luxembourg enjoyed more of the ball and more chances – albeit without testing Conor Hazard in the first half.

“It felt like a first pre-season game,” Baraclough said. “It was frustrating that we couldn’t get things going in possession. I thought we looked solid