Healy marks special night with goal at each end

David Healy was presented with a special award by UEFA president Michel Platini on Wednesday for his goal-scoring exploits for Northern Ireland then netted at both ends as his team beat Georgia 4-1 in a friendly.

Healy scored a competition record 13 goals during the Euro 2008 qualifiers, not sufficient to get Northern Ireland through to June's finals in Austria and Switzerland but enough to surpass Davor Suker, who hit 12 for Croatia in Euro 96 qualifying.

Platini presented the award before the game at Windsor Park and told the BBC: "His goal tally of 13 is a new record and deserves to be recognised.

"I am sure that this record will last for some time to come."

Healy, now playing for Fulham, said: "For him to take the time out to come to Belfast to present the award is a great honour.

"Maybe someone will break it sometime - but hopefully it will stand for another few years.

"The hat-trick against Spain was the highlight. To score one against Spain was good but to score a hat-trick was great.

"It was a hugely entertaining campaign for the players and fans alike."

Healy was on target again after 33 minutes in Wednesday's game but also scored an own-goal in the 55th minute.