McGovern the hero as NI clinch last 16 spot
By Alex Keery in FRANCE
Northern Ireland fans are still daring to dream – after their history-making heroes reached the knockout stage of Euro 16.
They lost 1-0 to Germany last night but a win by Turkey over the Czech Republic meant Northern Ireland were among the four best third-placed team.
Enniskillen-born keeper Michael McGovern had the game of his life – saving shot after shot from the German forward line.
Northern Ireland will now face either Wales or France in the last 16.
McGovern is out of contract at his Scottish club, Hamilton.
But after keeping out Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Mario Gomez, he’ll have the eyes of the world on him.
When he arrived in the dressing room each of his team-mates applauded him.
“If you take into account the stage we're on and the level of opposition, I really enjoyed it,'' McGovern added when asked if it was his best-ever performance.
“I enjoyed the challenge, I've enjoyed the other games as well. The tournament has been more than we could have imagined.
“The players gave me a round of applause when I came in; that was really nice.
“It was great to have my family there, my wife and my wee boy, my mum and dad and a few others.
“I've spoken to a few of them on the phone and they were absolutely ecstatic. My wee boy is Kieran and I've got a wee girl, Meghan, as well but she's six weeks old. She couldn't come because it's too noisy.''
Defender Gareth McAuley branded the achievement “absolutely incredible”.
“Not just the players involved but everyone included. It's made it a fantastic tournament for us to be involved in,” he said.
“(Aaron) Hughes had 102 caps, he's not played a lot of football, he's come in and had two amazing performances for us. There's loads of little personal, collective things from all the lads.
“We're just pleased that everyone can come back again and have a party at the weekend.
“It's just pride because we weren't given a chance when the draw was made. All these experts (said we would get) no points, wouldn't get out of the group. We've managed to do that, through the back door albeit, but I'm still incredibly proud.''
Picture (PA)