Release Date: 17/10/2008

Author: By Marshall Gillespie

STRIKER Warren Feeney feels Northern Ireland can still make a big impression in their World Cup qualifying group following their impressive 4-0 win over San Marino.

“The campaign starts now,” announced Warren, who came on as a substitute for the final eight minutes against the Group’s basement side. “The boss said before the match it was a must win game and thankfully the boys produced the goods.

“I feel now those three points can be the springboard for further success and when you look at the way the other countries keep taking points off each other we still have a chance of qualification.

“It was a good performance by the team on Wednesday,” added the 27 year-old, “It’s always good to get wins, of course everyone expected us to win against San Marino but it was hard for the first half-hour as they had a game plan and stuck to it but once the first goal went in it was only a matter of time until we added to the score.”

Despite the euphoria of Northern Ireland picking up their first victory, there was a tinge of disappointment for Warren that he did not get a starting role in the two recent games against the Slovenians and the Sammarinese.

“Obviously it was great to get a run-out against San Marino, but I’ll hold my hands up and admit I was disappointed not to start either of the games but that is the manager’s decision and I have to accept that.

“I love playing for my country and it is only naturally that I want to start every game but the most important thing is for the boys to win.”

He was though delighted that fellow strikers David Healy and Kyle Lafferty both managed to get on the scoresheet and end their barren run.

“It was tough to start with against San Marino as they got plenty of players behind the ball but the David and Kyle did well and it was good to see them both get among the goals especially David as he was coming in for a bit of stick recently which was totally undeserved in my opinion, but he showed the critics he still has what it takes and I’m pleased for him.”

The Cardiff City frontman, who is currently on-loan at Dundee United, will be hoping to get a full ninety minutes when Northern Ireland take on Hungary in a friendly next month, but he knows he needs to get a few games under his belt before then.

“I only got back in training a week before I joined up with the Northern Ireland squad and the most important thing for me now is to get back to full fitness and get a few games, and hopefully goals, in the SPL for Dundee United.”

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