WATCH: Paul Smyth thankful to Michael O'Neill for Northern Ireland opportunity

Paul Smyth thanked Michael O'Neill for giving him the opportunity in Saturday's 2-1 friendly win over South Korea.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2018, 16:17 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2018, 17:35 BST
Paul Smyth celebrates after scoring on his Northern Ireland debut in the win over South Korea.Paul Smyth celebrates after scoring on his Northern Ireland debut in the win over South Korea.
Paul Smyth celebrates after scoring on his Northern Ireland debut in the win over South Korea.

The former Linfield man certainly repaid O'Neill as he come off the bench to score the winner against the World Cup qualifiers.

Smyth showed great composure to hold off two defenders before firing home from the edge of the box, becoming the first Northern Ireland player to score on his debut since George McCartney in 2001.

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Speaking after the game the QPR man said: "I felt at home at Windsor obviously having played here with Linfield and the Under-21s.

Paul Smyth celebrates after scoring on his Northern Ireland debut in the win over South Korea.Paul Smyth celebrates after scoring on his Northern Ireland debut in the win over South Korea.
Paul Smyth celebrates after scoring on his Northern Ireland debut in the win over South Korea.

"There was a lot of excitement at the start, but once I got my chance I kind of got nervous, but it's always good having nerves going into a game, and I thought I dealt with it well.

"I tried to work as hard as I could, and I'm thankful to Michael for giving me the chance."

Related topics:Northern IrelandSouth KoreaLinfieldQPR