Magennis strikes late to make it two from two for Northern Ireland
Michael O’neill praised Josh Magennis after the Bolton forward’s late goal lifted Northern Ireland to top spot in Group C.
Northern Ireland were in danger of dropping points against Belarus in a game O’neill identified as a must-win one until Magennis struck three minutes from time.
It was sweet relief for Northern Ireland, who had seen Igor Stasevich hit a deflected equaliser within moments of Jonny Evans’s first-half opener. With time running out, Craig Cathcart pumped a long ball forward for Magennis, who brought it under control and spread it out wide for Stuart Dallas. He fed Paddy Mcnair, whose low cross was swept home by Magennis.
“It was a great piece of play,” O’neill, the manager, said. “People maybe don’t realise Josh’s quality. He’s improved immensely. It is brilliant. He takes it down great, lays it off and then attacks that space.”
Magennis joined up with Northern Ireland from a difficult situation at club level, with Bolton still facing the threat of administration or liquidation over unpaid debts.
O’neill said the 28-year-old had not let it affect him. “I don’t think so at all,” he said. “I think he enjoys coming in. He’s a very popular figure in the squad. As a player he’s invaluable. I think a lot of people didn’t really know what Josh was or what he was going to become as a player, but that’s his fifth international goal, so I think he’s proving a lot of people wrong.”
Magennis’s late goal was reward for Northern Ireland’s relentless attacking endeavour in a game which saw them dominate with a total of 15 attempts at goal.
There was a late scare, however, as Bailey Peacock-farrell made a good save to deny Pavel Nekhaychik from point-blank range with almost the last kick of the game.
“It was a great save from Bailey,” O’neill said. “He made one against Estonia and now one tonight. It would have been a travesty to have conceded then.”
Following on from Thursday’s 2-0 win over Estonia, Northern Ireland can enjoy the view from the top of Group C, three points clear of Holland and Germany. With the next games not until June, when they will play Estonia and Belarus away, the table will make enjoyable reading.
“The mood in the dressing room is brilliant,” O’neill said. “We’re top until June. I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but it’s a significant thing because we talk about momentum and that’s how you get it.”
O’neill added he did not expect Ollie Norwood, who missed this week’s games for personal reasons, to return for the next two fixtures. Northern Ireland Belarus Referee