Sanchez hails NI goal hero Healy

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has saluted the achievements of record-breaking striker David Healy in the run-up to the clash with Sweden.

A hat-trick against Liechtenstein took Healy on to seven goals and joint top of the the Euro 2008 scoring charts with Germany's Lukas Poldolski.

"David is a world-class finisher. We play to his strengths and he rewards us all the time," said Sanchez.

"But David knows he needs the backing of a whole team effort."

Healy is the first player to bag two hat-tricks for Northern Ireland, his first coming against Spain earlier in this campaign.

The Leeds United player now has 27 goals from 55 international appearances.

"David is a modest lad and popular with his team-mates as well as the fans," added Sanchez.

"To score two hat-tricks in the same tournament is phenomenal.

"David is our fulcrum and the player every one talks about. But without the other players doing their jobs we would not be winning games."

Northern Ireland would go top of Group F is they beat leaders Sweden in Belfast but boss Sanchez insisted Lars Lagerback's side were still favourites.

"When you are manager of a small country like Northern Ireland every game is difficult," he added.

"When you play some of the best teams in the world who regularly qualify for finals, and have players who play at the highest level, it is a big ask."

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