Healy is the hero

David Healy scored a superb hat-trick inside 30 minutes to leave Northern Ireland daring to dream of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in over 20 years after a 4-1 victory in Liechtenstein.

The Leeds striker has now amassed 27 goals in 55 appearances for the province. Yet they had a few scary moments in this Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein before taking control of the match in the second half.

It puts them in good heart for the crucial match against Sweden on Wednesday when they could go top of Group F. They had good backing in Vaduz with about 2,500 supporters making the trip and they got the right result.

It was far from plain sailing for Northern Ireland in the first half as Liechtenstein under new coach Hans-Peter Zaugg broke quickly.

The home side carved out a decent move in the seventh minute when Mario Frick and Franz Burgmeier linked up. However, Burgmeier scuffed his shot into the arms of goalkeeper Maik Taylor.

Keith Gillespie, winning his 75th cap, almost opened the scoring after being released by Healy. Gillespie delivered a delicate chip from inside the area that Peter Jehle did well to claw to safety.

Healy did make the breakthrough in the 52nd minute. He slid the ball into the corner from the edge of the area after Jehle had cleared Lafferty's effort with his feet.

Gillespie then carved out a good opening in the 65th minute when he skipped to the byline. He tried to pick out Healy but Jehle read the situation well and made the save.

Healy then continued his remarkable scoring record in the 74th minute to put Northern Ireland 2-0 ahead. He scored his second of the game and it was a cool finish as well after a delightful through ball from Gillespie.

Healy then completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute, showing great composure after being released by Davis as the goalkeeper looked on helplessly. Burgmeier pulled a goal back in stoppage time but Grant McCann had the final word, heading home a cross from Gillespie.