Healy plays down impact

David Healy has warned the Northern Ireland fans following his goalscoring debut against Luxembourg: "Don't expect too much, too soon."

The striker netted twice on his first senior appearance in the 3-1 friendly victory on Wednesday to heighten expectations that he could be the answer to Northern Ireland's long-running goal scoring problem.

However, the Manchester United reserve team striker was quick to dampen such talk and does not want to be built up only to be knocked down later on.

"I'm still only 20 and this was only my first game. Remember it was also against Luxembourg and it wasn't like it was against the Frances or Italys or Denmarks of this world," said Healy.

Healy was brought back down to earth with a bump when he flew back into Manchester and instead of heading off to Old Trafford, he drove to the Potteries to resume his loan spell with Port Vale.

United boss Alex Ferguson wants his rising star, who has made just one senior appearance as a substitute in the League Cup this season, to gain more first-team experience and Healy is due to face Stockport tomorrow.

Ferguson has high hopes for Healy and recently handed him a new three-and-a-half year contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2003.

"I was delighted with the contract and it keeps me happy and makes me known," Healy said.