WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Captain Davis' delight at 'massive' win for Northern Ireland

Goals by Jamie Ward and Conor Washington secured the home success before half-time and Northern Ireland now enjoy a two-point over the Czech Republic and a gap of seven compared to Norway.

“We wanted to win tonight to keep the momentum going and know we have got to be strong at home and pick up consistent wins to stand a chance of going on to get that second spot in the group,” said Davis. “It was a massive game for us but I am delighted with the performance and three points.

“We couldn’t have asked to get off to a better start with Jamie’s goal and then I felt it was a very professional performance.

“We got ourselves in the lead and felt, without anything going too wrong, we had the game won at half-time.

“It’s difficult to get that balance in the second half, whether to push forward and keep pressing or sit back but I thought we dealt with it very well.

“We know we are strong defensively so if we can get in front then we are confident we can go on and win the game and see it through.

“Jamie and Conor put in one hell of a shift up front and got the rewards, plus I’m sure there’s more to come.”