Well star Donnelly’s an Irish history boy for boss Baraclough
NORTHERN IRELAND Under-21s boss Ian Baraclough has hailed Motherwell kid Liam Donnelly for becoming a history maker.
Barraclough’s babes stunned Spain this week with a 2-1 Euro qualifying win in Albacete.
And Fir Park stopper Donnelly scored a first-half penalty on the night he broke the appearance and scoring record for the young Irish side.
In his 22nd game, Donnelly scored his fifth goal but former Well boss Baraclough said: “It was touch and go whether he was going to play because he has not played for three weeks at Motherwell.
“I was on the phone to Stephen Robinson and he wanted Liam to stay back and train with Well then join up with us later.
“I said I wanted Liam around the squad for his experience and he proved to be inspirational. He’s now our highest Under-21 appearance maker and top scorer for the country at this level. Not bad for a centre-back.”
Another spot-kick hero was Celtic keeper Conor Hazard who saved a penalty from Real Madrid’s Borja Mayoral.
Baraclough said: “Conor saved a penalty as well making others stops and was fantastic throughout.
“Everyone to a man was dead walking off the pitch and so happy.
“It ranks up there in my top three moments in football. To get a result like this against such a top side is so satisfying.”