Northern Ireland players celebrate after Warren Feeney's goal

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington praised his players after the 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Slovenia.

"I told the players at half-time that we had to raise the energy levels by 10 percent," said Worthington.

"When you ask this group of players to do something they give their all and they upped it in the second half.

"We've got a nice number of points in the table but we have to keep on working hard and focus again for the game against Poland in September."

Worthington's side are a point clear at the top of Group Three but they have played two games more that second-placed Slovakia.

Warren Feeney headed in the winner with 17 minutes left to make it a maximum six points from the qualifiers double-header.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Northern Ireland's win

The manager was forced to make two substitutions with Chris Baird and Ryan McGivern coming on in the full-back positions.

"It was an even first half but the players turned it around in the second half against a strong, good team," added Worthington.

"I said to the players at the break that this was a heavyweight contest and the one that keeps going would win the game.

"Ryan McGivern was fantastic when he came on - he settled straight away and was strong and positive.

"We are bringing in the youngsters and they are adding to what we have got."

Dundee United striker Feeney believes the team can reach the World Cup finals in South Africa after the wins over Poland and Slovenia.

"We set out to get six points from the two games, we've done that and there's belief in this side," he said.

"We have got hard games remaining with two away but we are capable of going all the way."

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