Michael O’Neill salutes ‘magnificent’ Northern Ireland in victory over Slovakia

Michael O’Neill hailed a “magnificent” performance from his Northern Ireland players after a 2-0 win over Slovakia at Windsor Park kept them firmly in the hunt in World Cup qualifying Group A.

After Patrik Hrosovsky’s 18th-minute own goal put Northern Ireland ahead, they created several chances for a second before Trai Hume’s first international goal nine minutes from time sealed a win which leaves Northern Ireland level on six points with Germany and Slovakia.

Northern Ireland played with hunger and verve, and arguably should have been further ahead with Jamie Reid spurning a first-half chance before getting a toe on a goalbound Shea Charles shot when offside in the second period.

This team though