Euro 2012 qualifying: Northern Ireland 4 Faroe Islands 0

A Paddy McCourt-inspired Northern Ireland cruised to a 4-0 home win over the Faroe Islands in Euro 2012 qualifying in Belfast on Wednesday.

The victory was the first in nine matches for Nigel Worthington’s side as they moved to third in Group C.

Fulham’s Aaron Hughes opened the scoring from close range after just five minutes but it took over an hour for the second goal to come.

The visitors were still in the game until Steven Davis’ 66th-minute drive from 25 yards found the back of the net, before Paddy McCourt made sure of the victory with a late double.

The Celtic midfielder – starting his first international at the age of 27 – netted after 71 and 88 minutes to put the polish on a valuable victory.

His first was a curling finish from Jonny Evans’ backheel, while a sublime chip completed his brace.

Northern Ireland are now just two points behind second-placed Slovenia, who have played a game more, with the team that finishes as runner-up in Group C to enter the play-offs.