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Page last updated at 08:09 GMT, Thursday, 27 May 2010 09:09 UK

Nigel Worthington happy despite Northern Ireland defeat

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Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington praises his young side after their 2-0 defeat by Turkey

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington focused on the positives after the 2-0 defeat by Turkey in Connecticut.

Worthington said the game was a "great exercise" and he was delighted with his team, which included five debutants.

"In the first half we were solid on a very, very hot day but we lost our discipline a little bit in our shape in the second half," he added.

"The players dealt with the heat very well and there are many players that have come through with credit."

Second-half goals from Sercan Yilidrim and Semih Senturk gave the Turks victory at the Veterans Memorial Stadium.

"I think the temperature was recorded (at pitch level) at 103 and it is not something that we are used to," said Worthington.

"Our defence was superb - Gareth McAuley and Stephen Craigan were outstanding.

606: DEBATE

"Also the young lads like Andrew Little, Corry Evans, John Gorman, Michael Bryan and Josh Magennis did themselves credit, as did the five Irish League lads - all superb.

"They are obviously tired after playing in those conditions - it was energy-sapping.

"But thankfully we have no injuries to report and now it is on to Chile."

Northern Ireland will complete their two-match tour against World Cup bound Chile in Chillan on Sunday.



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see also
N Ireland 0-2 Turkey
26 May 10 |  Irish
NI skipper Craigan defends tour
25 May 10 |  Irish
Teenager Gorman set for NI debut
24 May 10 |  Irish
Craigan handed NI tour captaincy
21 May 10 |  Irish
Keeper Blayney in NI tour squad
13 May 10 |  Football
N Ireland stars missing for tour
11 May 10 |  Football


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