Sanchez fine likely following no-show

David Healy spoke of his pride at scoring a hat-trick in Northern Ireland's stunning 3-2 win over Spain in their Euro 2008 qualifier last night.

But manager Lawrie Sanchez said nothing at all, preferring to keep his thoughts to himself as Healy and the rest of the side took a well-deserved lap of honour at Windsor Park.

Sanchez then decided not to give a press conference and could now face a fine from Uefa.

No reason was given but Irish Football Association chief executive Howard Wells said: "It has been a difficult and traumatic time."

Relations between Sanchez and the press have become strained.

A national newspaper ran a front page story on the day of the game about players enjoying a Saturday night out in Belfast.

It is understood Sanchez gave them permission to leave the team hotel and no curfews were broken.

Healy, however, is revelling in the spotlight once again.  It is a year to the day since his strike secured a memorable victory over England in a World Cup qualifier.

And last night's win over Spain was all the more unlikely given that the province had lost to Iceland just four days earlier.

Healy said: "I love nights at Windsor Park. Everybody felt we let people down on Saturday. The players were more disappointed than the fans but we showed our character more than anything.

"We have bounced back and it is a massive occasion."

Northern Ireland twice came from behind with Spain making the breakthrough in the 14th minute to score their 1,000 goal through Xavi.

But Northern Ireland regrouped and equalised in the 20th minute when Healy pounced on a mistake by Xabi Alonso to score from close range.

Spain went back in front in the 52nd minute through David Villa but Northern Ireland showed their fighting spirit in the 65th minute to make it 2-2.

Incredibly Healy sealed the points for Northern Ireland in the 79th minute when he completed his hat-trick with a cool finish.

Captain Aaron Hughes added: "We're delighted not just with the result but how we went about it. Hopefully we answered a few things that were asked of us and hopefully shut a few people up.

"We were disappointed on Saturday but got our just rewards today. We've beaten one of the best teams in the world."  PA