Lafferty double helps to overcome minnows

SUBSTITUTE Kyle Lafferty scored twice as Northern Ireland recorded a 4-0 victory over San Marino in the first international to be staged at the refurbished Windsor Park.

A crowd of 18,234 witnessed Lafferty’s goals and strikes from Steven Davis and Jamie Ward, as well as a San Marino red card, as Michael O’Neill’s side avoided any drama in their World Cup qualifier ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Germany.

Davis converted a first-half penalty after Josh Magennis had been hauled down by Alessandro Della Valle, with the Southampton midfielder scoring his ninth international goal, before Lafferty and Ward enhanced the scoreline by scoring three times between them in the final 11 minutes.

Lafferty agreed with manager Michael O’Neill’s decision to leave him out of his starting line-up with Magennis leading the line for the hosts.

“I was disappointed not to play, but I understand Michael’s decision,” Lafferty said.

“I haven’t been playing regular club football and if I was in Josh’s shoes, Conor’s [Washington] shoes or Wardy’s shoes, I would be complaining as well.

“Michael made the right decision. I am not fit, and giving me the last 23 minutes was the right call. I was happy to get on the pitch and score two goals.”

Germany had a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic.