Healy receives MBE from the Queen

David Healy has received his MBE from the Queen at Windsor Castle

David Healy has thanked his Northern Ireland team-mates after receiving an MBE from the Queen.

The Killyleagh man has scored 35 times in 69 games for NI, and this year gained a UEFA award for his record 13 goals in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

He swapped Windsor Park for Windsor Castle on Friday as he attended a ceremony with his parents Clifford and Irene and wife Emma.

Healy said he was "extremely proud but humbled" at receiving the honour.

"Football is a team game, I wouldn't be here without the help and support and commitment of everybody I've played with," he said.

"Especially the guys at Northern Ireland who have given me the opportunity to go out and perform the way I've performed recently."

Healy thanked his parents and wife for "always being there" and encouraging him throughout his career.

He also paid tribute to the "thousands of Northern Ireland fans who support the team at home and abroad".

The 29-year-old started his career at Manchester United and currently plays with Sunderland in the Premiership.

He acquired prominence after he scored the winning goal for Northern Ireland in their 1-0 victory over England in a World Cup qualifier in September 2005.

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