O’neill positive despite lack of cutting edge

A NEW face but familiar problems for Northern Ireland as the Michael O’neill era was launched with a familiar tale of woe in front of goal.

Shot-shy under Nigel Worthington, they certainly lacked punch in O’neill’s first game in charge, for all the promise of their patient approach work.

This was never more evident than in the 27th minute when Shane Ferguson’s cross from the left led to a chaotic scramble on the edge of the sixyard area. Gareth Mcauley, Martin Paterson and Steve Davis all had half-hit shots blocked by keeper Rune Jarstein, before a fourth chance was stabbed wide by a swing of Mcauley’s right boot.

O’neill (right) could have done with some of the luck that saw Norway seize a 44th-minute lead, when Havard Nordtveit’s low drive, from a half- cleared corner, struck Sammy Clingan’s heel to leave goalkeeper Lee Camp wrong-footed.

Tarik Elyounoussi’s shot on the turn, in the 88th minute, and an injury-time volley from Espen Ruud gave the scoreline a distorted look, but there was still plenty to encourage O’neill.

He said: ‘ Our retention of the ball and movement in midfield was good, but we have to try and turn it into goals. We didn’t have as much cutting edge as I would have liked. But, bar the result, I thought the whole experience was positive.’

David Healy’s 92nd appearance, as a 73rd-minute substitute, made him Northern Ireland’s most capped outfield player. N IRELAND (4-4-2): Camp; Mcauley (Hodson 57), Hughes (Duff 46), J Evans, Mcgivern; Davis, C Evans (Mccann 46), Clingan, Ferguson (Mccourt 69); Shiels, Paterson (Healy 73).