Northern Ireland boss hails heroic stopper McGovern

Michael O’Neill paid tribute to goalkeeper Michael McGovern after he produced an outstanding performance to seal Euro 2016 progress despite a 1-0 defeat to Germany in Paris.

Northern Ireland were beaten by the world champions at the Parc des Princes courtesy of Mario Gomez’s first-half strike but Hamilton stopper McGovern proved a decisive barrier in halting the Germans from increasing their tally.

With Turkey then defeating the Czech Republic 2-0 in their final game in Group D, it meant Northern Ireland booked a place in the last 16 on goal difference as one of the best third-placed teams.

That constitutes an outstanding performance from O’Neill and his players in what is Northern Ireland’s first ever European Championship appearance.

O’Neill was in no doubt over the standout performer against the Germans, with the manager revealing McGovern was treated to a standing ovation in the dressing room afterwards. “Michael had a fantastic night in goal, he’s had a fantastic tournament,” said O’Neill.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong all night. The players gave him a round of applause when he came in the dressing room and when that happens you don’t really need the manager to say any more to be honest.”

O’Neill hailed the performance as being up there with anything Northern Ireland fans have witnessed before and he expects his goalkeeper – who is out of contract at Scottish Premiership club Hamilton this summer – to have plenty of suitors once Euro 2016 is over.

“It was a phenomenal performance and up there probably with the great goalkeeping performances we’ve had in the past from the likes of Pat Jennings, Tommy Wright, Maik Taylor. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper,” O’Neill added. “He’s out of contract. His club want to sign him but he hasn’t re-signed for the club he’s at. I believe there’s a number of clubs in Scotland that have interest in him and I’d be surprised if there’s not clubs in England that would be interested in Michael.”

Northern Ireland are 251.00 to win Euro 2016.