Northern Ireland national football team

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For the Irish FA's former all-Ireland international team, see Ireland national football team (IFA).

Northern Ireland
Nickname	Green & White Army, Norn Iron
Association	Irish Football Association
Confederation	UEFA (Europe)
Head coach	Lawrie Sanchez, 2004-
Captain	Aaron Hughes
Most caps	Pat Jennings (119)
Top scorer	David Healy (29)
Home stadium	Windsor Park
FIFA code	NIR
FIFA ranking	47
Highest FIFA ranking	33 (May 1994)
Lowest FIFA ranking	124 (March 2004)
Elo ranking	79
Highest Elo ranking	4 or 15[1] (1882-5 or May 1986[1])
Lowest Elo ranking	97 (February 2004)
First kit 　 Second kit
First international Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882)
Biggest win Ireland (IFA) 7 - 0 Wales (Belfast, Northern Ireland; 1 February 1930)
Biggest defeat Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882)
World Cup
Appearances	3 (First in 1958)
Best result	Quarterfinals, 1958
European Championship
Appearances	none (First in -)
Best result	-

The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football. In such events, the constituent nations of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland compete separately, though not in the Olympic Games. Before 1921, all of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and was represented by a single Ireland team, of which Northern Ireland is the direct successor; the independent Republic of Ireland now has its own team.

Contents 1 Current campaign 2 Fixtures 3 Past performances 4 History 5 Controversy and sectarianism 6 Stadium 7 Popular culture 8 Current players 9 Coaching Staff 10 World Cup Finals record 11 European Championship Finals record 12 Notable players 12.1 Goalkeepers 12.2 Defenders 12.3 Midfielders 12.4 Strikers 13 Managers 14 Player Records 14.1 Northern Ireland players with more than 50 caps 14.2 Top Northern Ireland goalscorers 15 See also 16 References 17 External links

[edit] Current campaign

This article documents a current sports-related event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses.

See the main article 2008 UEFA European Football Championship qualifying Group F

Northern Ireland are currently seeking qualification to the finals of the Euro 2008 competition. They were seeded in the sixth pot and drawn against Sweden, Spain, Denmark, Latvia, Iceland and Liechtenstein. In an unprecedented move, the Irish Football Association offered the national team and all its staff a £1 million pound bonus if the team qualified for Euro 2008.

Their chances of qualifying got off to a poor start as a poor defensive display saw them go down 3-0 at home to Iceland. In their second game, they came back to defeat Spain 3-2 with a David Healy hat trick, the first in Belfast for 35 years since George Best, and their first win over Spain since the 1982 World Cup. Northern Ireland then recorded a 0-0 draw against Denmark in Copenhagen and a 1-0 win against Latvia at Windsor Park. Northern Ireland played Liechtenstein in March 2007, picking up a 4-1 win. The victory included another Healy hat-trick and Grant McCann's first international goal. A 2-1 victory against Sweden on 28 March has seen Northern Ireland go top of group F.

Group F

Team	Pts	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Northern Ireland	13	6	4	1	1	10	7	+3
Sweden	12	5	4	0	1	9	4	+5
Spain	9	5	3	0	2	9	6	+3
Denmark	7	4	2	1	1	7	2	+5
Latvia	3	4	1	0	3	4	3	+1
Liechtenstein	3	5	1	0	4	3	15	-12
Iceland	3	5	1	0	4	4	9	-5

[edit] Fixtures

Forthcoming fixtures

Date	City	Opponent	Type of game
August 22, 2007	Belfast	Liechtenstein	Euro 2008 qualifier
September 8, 2007	Riga	Latvia	Euro 2008 qualifier
September 12, 2007	Reykjavík	Iceland	Euro 2008 qualifier
October 17, 2007	Sweden	Sweden	Euro 2008 qualifier
November 17, 2007	Belfast	Denmark	Euro 2008 qualifier
November 21, 2007	Spain	Spain	Euro 2008 qualifier

[edit] Past performances

Northern Ireland's best World Cup performance was in their first appearance in the competition, the 1958 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals after beating Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the play-off. They were knocked out by France, losing 4-0. In the 1958 competition Northern Ireland became the smallest country to have qualified for the World Cup, a record that stood until Trinidad & Tobago qualified for the 2006 World Cup. Northern Ireland remains, however, the smallest country to have qualified for more than one World Cup, and the smallest country to have reached the World Cup quarter-finals.

Northern Ireland also qualified for the 1982 World Cup, again reaching the quarter-finals after topping the first stage group, having beaten Spain, the hosts 1-0, a match that has gone down in history as one of Northern Ireland's finest ever displays, and is still sung about by fans today. In 1982, Norman Whiteside became the youngest ever player in the World Cup finals, a record that still stands today. In the 1986 World Cup, they reached the first round. Billy Bingham, a member of the 1958 squad, was manager for both of these tournaments. They have not qualified for any other World Cups. The side have yet to participate in their first European Championship finals.

Northern Ireland were the last winners of the now defunct British Home Championship held in 1984. After qualifying for the 1986 World Cup, Northern Ireland entered a gradual decline. However, the 1994 World Cup and Euro '96 qualifiers saw respectable performances- in the latter, they finished level on points with the Republic of Ireland, but a goal difference of 5 to the Republic of Ireland's 6 cost them 2nd place. Subsequent performances were less notable, although fortunes have improved since.

Current coach Lawrie Sanchez was appointed in January 2004 after a run of 10 games without a goal. The previous manager was Sammy McIlroy. That run ended after his first game in charge, a 1-4 defeat to Norway in a friendly in February 2004. The run of 16 games without a win ended after his second game, a 1-0 victory in a friendly over Estonia, with a largely experimental side, in March 2004.

On 7 September 2005 Northern Ireland achieved arguably their best victory in recent times by beating England 1-0 in a 2006 World Cup Qualifier at Windsor Park. David Healy scored the winner in the 73rd minute. Almost a year to the day later, on 6 September 2006, Northern Ireland defeated Spain 3-2 in a qualifier for Euro 2008, with Healy scoring a hat-trick.

Here is a summary of all Northern Ireland's competitive results (friendly matches not counted):

All competitive matches before and after partition ^‡

P	W	D	L	F	A	Gd
448	108	96	244	477	936	-459

All matches including friendlies ^‡

P	W	D	L	F	A	Gd
521	128	117	276	550	1044	-494

^‡ Data correct as of N.Ireland v Latvia 11th October 2006^{[citation needed]}

The team have also won the Home Championship 8 times, including 5 shared.

[edit] History

The Northern Ireland team is the successor to the all-Ireland national football team that existed before the formation of the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland) in 1922. The team selected by the Irish Football Association (based in Belfast, Northern Ireland) continued to claim to represent (and pick players from) all of Ireland even after the partition. A rival Ireland team was set up by the Football Association of Ireland (based in Dublin, Irish Free State) in 1926 which also claimed to represent all of Ireland; however this team was not recognised by the Home Nations and instead looked to FIFA teams from mainland Europe for competition.

It took until 1950 for the boundaries to be sorted out, and it was not until 1954 that the IFA's team became known as 'Northern Ireland' (though it took many more years for the name to fall into popular usage), while the FAI's team became known as the 'Republic of Ireland' (often called simply 'Ireland' or 'the Republic' in popular usage).

[edit] Controversy and sectarianism

Some of Northern Ireland's fans have been perceived as sectarian by opposing elements in Northern Irish society. Neil Lennon, the captain of Celtic F.C., was given a death-threat by Loyalists in Rathcoole after having been subject to boos and jeers from some supporters while playing for Northern Ireland in Windsor Park. However, steps have been taken to eradicate the sectarian element within the support^[2], and these have proved to be very successful. Lennon has been quick to heap praise on the Northern Ireland Fans^[3], and in particular Football For All Outstanding Achievement Award Winner Stewart MacAfee^[4], for the work they have carried out to create a more inclusive atmosphere at international games:

“People like Stewart are the Unsung Heroes who have been brave enough to challenge sectarianism and who have actively created a more fun, safe and family orientated atmosphere at international games. Fans like Stewart have made the atmosphere at Northern Ireland football games in recent years the envy of Fans across not only Europe but World Football. From a personal point of view I would like to thank them for their efforts.”

[edit] Stadium

Northern Ireland play their home matches at Windsor Park, home of Linfield F.C., which they have use of on a one hundred year lease.

There is currently speculation of building a national stadium for Northern Ireland at the disused Maze prison outside Lisburn for the use of Rugby, Gaelic Games and football^[5]. This plan has been given an "in principle" go-ahead by the Irish Football Association. However, it is opposed by fans, over 95% of whom in a match day poll in 2005 preferred to stay at a smaller new or redeveloped ground in the city of Belfast. The Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs organised a protest against the move to the Maze at the game against Estonia in March 2006.

[edit] Popular culture

Since the defeat of England in 2005 there has been an increase of national pride in the team, with demand for tickets outstripping supply.^{[6] [7]} Tongue-in-cheek songs such as "We're not Brazil, we're Northern Ireland" (sung to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic) and 'It's Just Like Watching Brazil' are popular at home matches.

Unionists are more likely than nationalists to support the Northern Ireland team, with the latter often giving their support to the Republic's team instead. However, recent moves by supporters and the IFA have shown this to be changing^{[citation needed]}. Sectarianism is greatly frowned upon at Northern Ireland matches and is predominantly a thing of the past. It is not unknown for Northern Ireland supporters to adopt the Republic of Ireland as their second team when they are not in direct competition with Northern Ireland ^[8], and supporters of the Republic often reciprocate, and support Northern Ireland^{[citation needed]}.

The noise of the crowd is known as "the twelfth man" and is acknowledged by manager Lawrie Sanchez to have spurred the team on to the famous recent victories against England and Spain. Away travel is also becoming increasingly popular. Over 3,000 fans travelled to Denmark in October 2006 in what was Northern Ireland's largest^{[citation needed]} travelling support outside the United Kingdom,since the World Cup Finals in Spain in 1982. Earlier in 2006, Northern Ireland's supporters had been awarded the Brussels International Supporters Award ^[9], for their efforts to stamp out sectarianism, charity work and general good humour and behaviour. Representatives of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs received the award from UEFA and EU representatives prior to the Northern Ireland versus Spain game at Windsor Park in September 2006. The team have various supporters' clubs, including the Our Wee Country website.

[edit] Current players

The following players have all been called up to the Northern Ireland squad within the last 18 months.

No. Pos. Player DoB/Age Caps Goals Club GK Maik Taylor 1971-09-04 58 0 Birmingham City GK Roy Carroll 1977-09-30 19 0 West Ham United GK Michael Ingham 1980-07-09 2 0 Wrexham GK Alan Blayney 1981-09-10 1 0 Oldham Athletic GK Alan Mannus 1 0 Linfield DF Aaron Hughes 52 0 Aston Villa DF Colin Murdock 33 1 Rotherham United DF Stephen Craigan 27 0 Motherwell DF Chris Baird 25 0 Southampton DF Tony Capaldi 20 0 Plymouth Argyle DF George McCartney 20 1 West Ham United DF Michael Duff 16 0 Burnley DF Gareth McAuley 5 0 Leicester City DF Mark Clyde 3 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers DF Jonny Evans 4 0 Sunderland DF Jeff Hughes 1 0 Lincoln City DF Brian McLean 1 0 Motherwell DF Sean Webb 4 0 Ross County MF Keith Gillespie 73 2 Sheffield United MF Damien Johnson 45 0 Birmingham City MF Stuart Elliott 33 4 Hull City MF Phil Mulryne 27 3 Cardiff City MF Jeff Whitley 20 3 Cardiff City MF Steven Davis 18 1 Aston Villa MF Grant McCann 13 1 Barnsley MF Steve Robinson 8 0 Luton Town MF Sammy Clingan 7 0 Nottingham Forest MF Ivan Sproule 7 1 Hibernian MF Chris Brunt 6 0 Sheffield Wednesday FW David Healy 56 29 Leeds United FW James Quinn 50 4 Northampton Town FW Steve Jones 23 1 Burnley FW Andy Smith 18 0 Preston North End FW Warren Feeney 17 2 Luton Town FW Andy Kirk 8 0 Northampton Town FW Kyle Lafferty 8 1 Burnley FW Peter Thompson 4 0 Linfield FW Dean Shiels 2 0 Hibernian

[edit] Coaching Staff

• Manager: Lawrie Sanchez
• Assistant Manager: vacant
• Coach: Terry Gibson
• Goalkeeping coach Dave Beasant
• Physio: Terry Hayes

[edit] World Cup Finals record

• 1930 to 1938 - Did not enter
• 1950 - Did not qualify
• 1954 - Did not qualify
• 1958 - Quarterfinals
• 1962 to 1978 - Did not qualify
• 1982 - Quarterfinals
• 1986 - Round 1
• 1990 to 2006 - Did not qualify

[edit] European Championship Finals record

• 1960 - Did not enter
• 1964 to 2004 - Did not qualify

[edit] Notable players

See also Category:Northern Ireland international footballers

[edit] Goalkeepers Roy Carroll Harry Gregg Jack McClelland Pat Jennings Willie McFaul Jim Platt Maik Taylor Tommy Wright

[edit] Defenders Danny Blanchflower Jackie Blanchflower Johnny Carey Dave Clements Mal Donaghy Aaron Hughes Allan Hunter John McClelland Bill McCracken Alan McDonald Alf McMichael Terry Neill Sammy Nelson Chris Nicholl Jimmy Nicholl John O'Neill Pat Rice Gerry Taggart Nigel Worthington

[edit] Midfielders George Best Billy Bingham Noel Brotherston Chris Brunt Steven Davis Peter Doherty Tommy Doherty Keith Gillespie Bryan Hamilton Michael Hughes Neil Lennon Steve Lomas Jim Magilton David McCreery Jimmy McIlroy Sammy McIlroy Wilbur Cush Peter McParland Jimmy Nicholson Bertie Peacock Martin O'Neill Michael O'Neill Danny Wilson

[edit] Strikers Gerry Armstrong Joe Bambrick Colin Clarke Derek Dougan Iain Dowie Warren Feeney Billie Gillespie Billy Hamilton David Healy Kyle Lafferty Jimmy McIlroy Jimmy Quinn Norman Whiteside Kevin Wilson

[edit] Managers

• Peter Doherty (1951-1962)
• Bertie Peacock (1962-1967)
• Billy Bingham (1967-1971)
• Terry Neill (1971-1975)
• Dave Clements (1975-1976)
• Danny Blanchflower (1976-1979)
• Billy Bingham (1980-1994)
• Bryan Hamilton (1994-1998)
• Lawrie McMenemy (1998-1999)
• Sammy McIlroy (2000-2003)
• Lawrie Sanchez (2004-present)

[edit] Player Records

[edit] Northern Ireland players with more than 50 caps

As of 6 February 2007, the players with the most caps for Northern Ireland are:

#	Name	Career	Caps	Goals
1	Pat Jennings	1964 - 1986	119	0
2	Mal Donaghy	1980 - 1994	91	0
3	Sammy McIlroy	1972 - 1987	88	5
4	Keith Gillespie	1995 - present	74	2
5	Jimmy Nicholl	1976 - 1986	73	1
6	Michael Hughes	1992 - 2005	71	5
7	David McCreery	1976 - 1990	67	0
8	Nigel Worthington	1984 - 1997	66	0
9	Martin O'Neill	1972 - 1985	64	8
10	Gerry Armstrong	1977 - 1986	63	12
11=	Iain Dowie	1990 - 2000	59	12
11=	Terry Neill	1961 - 1973	59	2
13	Maik Taylor	1999 - present	58	0
14=	David Healy	2000 - present	56	29
14=	Billy Bingham	1951 - 1964	56	10
14=	Danny Blanchflower	1950 - 1962	56	2
17	Jimmy McIlroy	1952 - 1966	55	10
18=	Allan Hunter	1970 - 1980	53	1
18=	John McClelland	1980 - 1990	53	1
20=	Alan McDonald	1986 - 1996	52	3
20=	Jim Magilton	1991 - 2002	52	5
20=	Aaron Hughes	1998 - present	52	0
23=	Chris Nicholl	1975 - 1984	51	3
23=	Gerry Taggart	1990 - 2003	51	7
25=	Bryan Hamilton	1969 - 1980	50	4
25=	James Quinn	1996 - present	50	4

[edit] Top Northern Ireland goalscorers

#	Player	Career	Goals (Caps)	Goals per game
1	David Healy	2000 - present	29 (56)	0.52
2=	Billie Gillespie	1913 - 1932	13 (25)	0.52
2=	Colin Clarke	1986 - 1993	13 (38)	0.34
4=	Joe Bambrick	1928 - 1940	12 (11)	1.09
4=	Gerry Armstrong	1977 - 1986	12 (63)	0.19
4=	Jimmy Quinn	1985 - 1996	12 (46)	0.26
4=	Iain Dowie	1990 - 2000	12 (59)	0.20
8=	Billy Bingham	1951 - 1964	10 (56)	0.18
8=	Jimmy McIlroy	1952 - 1966	10 (55)	0.18
8=	Peter McParland	1954 - 1962	10 (34)	0.29
8=	Johnny Crossan	1960 - 1968	10 (24)	0.42

[edit] See also

• Green and white army

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} The official Elo ratings pages erroneously combine the pre-1923 IFA team's results with the post-1923 FAI team. The highest ranking for the pre-1923 team is 4th, in 1882-5.(World Football Elo Ratings: Ireland. Retrieved on February 14, 2007.) The "new" Northern Ireland team is introduced to the Elo ranking in 1923, with an initial points total higher than the FAI team inherits from the "old" IFA team: 1600 as opposed to 1522. The highest rank the IFA team subsequently attains, based on this erroneous beginning, is 15th, in May 1986.(World Football Elo Ratings: Northern Ireland. Retrieved on February 14, 2007.)
2. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3228195.stm
3. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/6085396.stm
4. ^ http://www.irishfa.com/the-ifa/news/2813/praise-for-ifas-football-for-all-awards-night
5. ^ http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199697/ldhansrd/pdvn/lds06/text/60131w04.htm Lord's Hansard on the question of building an NI national stadium
6. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4880528.stm BBC news story on NI ticket sales
7. ^ http://www.irishfa.com/international-matches/question-time IFA FAQ encompassing ticket sales
8. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2049155.stm BBC News, What the papers say (metadata from the Irish Times)
9. ^ http://www.uefa.com/uefa/Keytopics/kind=4/newsId=448323.html UEFA news story on 2006 Brussels International Supporters Award

[edit] External links

• Fermanagh Northern Ireland Supporters Club
• Happy Days Fanzine
• Irish Football Association - Northern Ireland Football official site
• Northern Ireland Supporters Fanzine
• Northern ireland Football site
• Northern Ireland Football Project - Resource
• Pacemaker Photographs
• RSSSF archive of international results 1882-
• 1st Banbridge Northern Ireland Supporters Club.

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