David Healy, the Manchester United striker, played a decisive role in Northern Ireland's comprehensive victory in Malta last night.

Healy, who scored twice on his debut in last month's 3-1 win over Luxembourg, again demonstrated his potential with superb pace and running off the ball, crowning his night with a third international goal.

"He is something special - a real find for us, but we must be careful not to put undue pressure on him or expect too much," said the Irish manager Sammy McIlroy.

There is a new vibrancy and passion in McIlroy's team though the real tests are yet to come: against Hungary in Belfast next month and, possibly, Yugoslavia in August. McIlroy is confident he can find a settled side by then.

Healy engineered the opening goal after 13 minutes. He swept the ball wide to Michael Hughes who cut in from the left but was brought down by David Carabott. The Wimbledon winger converted the penalty.

Two minutes later Healy laid off a clipped pass for his striking partner James Quinn to drive over the line. To cap a superlative performance he scored the third five minutes before halftime. Hughes found Healy with a perfect through-ball and timed his run to beat the offside trap before pushing his shot under the keeper into the far corner.

Substitute Maurice Harkin scored an 89th-minute winner on his debut to give Northern Ireland under-21s a 2-1 win over Malta. Hearts striker Andy Kirk scored after five minutes in Corradino before Michael Galea equalised for Malta 17 minutes later.

Malta: Barry (Muscat 46), Said, Chetcuti, Vella (Azzopaidi 59), Debono, Buttigieg (Turner 46), Busuttil (Veseelji 62), Cutajar, Carabott (Okonkwo 46), Aguis (Mifsud 46), Nwoko (Mallia 75). Booked: Debono, Okonkwo.

Northern Ireland: Carroll (Taylor 85), Griffin, Nolan, M. Williams, Murdock (Sonner 46), Lomas, Lennon, Gillespie (Johnson 62), M. Hughes (Horlock 77), J. Quinn (Coote 70), Healy. Booked: J. Quinn. Goals: M. Hughes (13 pen), J. Quinn (15), Healy (41).

Referee: De Santos (Italy).