Lucky 13 for Worthington

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is trying to remain grounded even though his improving team have made history.

A 1-0 victory against Slovenia at Windsor Park meant the province had won four successive qualifiers for the first time in their history.

Worthington said: "We are in a good position. We wanted to be on 13 points and that's happened. Now we want as many points from the last three games as possible."

He added: "There is still a long way to go. We have Slovakia here and two massive away matches against Poland and the Czech Republic.

"However it is nice to make history and I am delighted for the players. All the way through they have been fantastic.

"They've not always had the rub of the green. We had to make it happen tonight and we did.

"You have to work hard, that is key. The players had the bit between their teeth. They have taken all the information on board and put it into practice.

"It was a fight but we knew it was going to be like that. Slovenia are a good side, big and strong.

"The first half was like a heavyweight boxing match. It was blow for blow. We had to increase our energy levels in the second half.

"We did that and got our reward with a very good goal. We also kept a clean sheet which was pleasing."