Ethan Galbraith singles out 'cool, calm and composed' Northern Ireland team-mate for special praise after Luxembourg win
Ethan Galbraith reflected on a winning finish to Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying group campaign with special praise for ‘cool, calm and composed’ penalty goalscorer Jamie Donley.
With a March play-off semi-final secure ahead of kick-off towards next year’s World Cup finals, Monday’s meeting with Luxembourg in Belfast offered little at stake bar final preparations for the high-stakes away trip.
Donley’s penalty marked his first competitive senior start with a first senior goal to settle the game as one of a number of players handed an opportunity to impress by manager Michael O’Neill in a line-up impacted by injury and suspension.
“I thought we'd done well in spells, probably would have wanted to keep the ball a bit better than we did – but the main thing was getting the win,” said Galbraith on BBC Sport NI after the final whistle. “(I’m) happy to play anywhere...any minutes on the pitch for your country, it's always an honour.
"I thought the young lads did really well, they can take a lot away from it because international football is sometimes different than club.
"I played with him (Donley) for a year at Leyton Orient and had no doubt he’d settle in...he’s cool, calm and composed.
"I thought he was excellent tonight so for him to get his first international goal, it's great for him.
"Everyone's come in and played their part, great experience for everyone.
“I can't wait for it (March play-off), all the lads in there are buzzing to get the play-off and to finish off the campaign with a win is always good.”