Feeney anxious to stake NI claim

Report: N Ireland 1-1 Portugal

Goalscorer Warren Feeney said he hoped he had given Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez a selection headache with his performance against Portugal.

Feeney only started because Leeds striker David Healy was out through injury but he made the most of the chance in the 1-1 friendly draw.

"I want to make life difficult for the manager," said the Luton Town forward.

"All I can do is get out there and show what I am capable of. It was fantastic to get the goal."

Feeney said his 53rd minute leveller had been rehearsed on the training ground.

"We had worked on the set-pieces, getting across the front man," added Feeney.

"I took a gamble and got my head on it. I knew it was going into the net and it was a great feeling."

Manager Lawrie Sanchez said a number of his young players had boosted their international prospects.

"To come from behind to draw with a team like Portugal is a great positive," said Sanchez.

"I told the players at half-time we were not here to be knocked over and they showed they can compete.

"It was good to give everyone a game and the younger players have done themselves a lot of favours."