Donaldson applauds the Northern Ireland Football Team
Ulster Unionist Party Officer Kenny Donaldson has congratulated the players and coaching staff of the Northern Ireland football team upon climbing to the dizzy heights of 33rd in the FIFA World Rankings.
In a statement, Kenny said: “International football fever has captured the imagination of the broad Northern Ireland public of late with our team climbing to the lofty heights of top spot in their European Championship Qualifying group. Heroic wins against Spain and Sweden and a hard fought draw away to Denmark have helped our team defy the pundits in what was described; ‘the group of death.’
“Our boys deserve every possible credit, they have turned out results which few gave them a chance of doing and they have now established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, especially at Windsor Park, which is fast becoming; a ‘no go area for fancied International teams.’
“Our Manager, Lawrie Sanchez has instilled within our players; a strong work ethic, a new confidence and a passion which is unmatched in International football at present and our fans time and time again have lifted our boys to enable them to turn out performances on the pitch, which they on paper aren’t given a prayer of delivering.”
Kenny concluded: “The community should continue to row behind our team in the remaining European Qualifier fixtures and indeed beyond. Our team can qualify for a major football tournament, they have what it takes. If our boys succeed, the benefits to our Country and to our people will be immense. Wee Norn Iron will be put on the map and will be lauded across Europe and further afield. I have full confidence in our team and coaching staff to deliver.”