Clarets trio star in Northern Ireland win

The second half appearance of the trio from Burnley helped Northern Ireland to an impressive win at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. Goals from David Healy and our very own Kyle Lafferty saw off a Finnish side with the likes of Kuqi, Forssell and Jaaskelainen on show.

Steve Jones, Kyle Lafferty and Michael Duff all played a part in the second half as the Northern Irish recorded their first win on their travels in over two years.

David Healy gave Northern Ireland the lead in the 38^th minute, but the Clarets interest started at the beginning of the second half as Steve Jones took to the field.

Jones, wearing the number 14 shirt took his place on the right hand side and had a very good game, giving the Finnish left back a torrid time in the early part of the second half.

Lafferty took to the field in the 53^rd minute, and took just 12 minutes to make his mark on the game with a goal described by a certain co-commentator, a Mr Billy Hamilton as being ‘made in Burnley’.

Steve Jones skinned his marker on the right hand side and crossed in a beauty which young Kyle rose to head home.

It will certainly be a special moment for Lafferty who at just 18 has now notched goals at club and international level. It is very possible that Kyle will start against Wolves on Saturday as a result of Andy Gray’s suspension following his sending off at Hillsborough. Exciting times ahead then for Kyle.

Finland pulled one back through Mika Vayrynen in the 75^th minute, and the five minutes building up to that goal did see a lot of Finnish pressure as did the final fifteen. It was in fact Michael Duff (on as a 66th minute sub) that failed to cut out the one-two between Vayrynen and Kuqi, although the damage had already been done by Southampton’s Chris Baird who had lost possession in a dangerous area.

All in all, a good win for Northern Ireland, and the second goal will certainly please any Clarets that watched the game. Let’s hope that Steve Jones is as sharp on Saturday as he was this evening, Lafferty is again in goal scoring mood, and Michael Duff can continue with the no-nonsense defending as he did tonight.

Up the Clarets!