Memorable night for Coleraine FC

Monday night's final group game for Northern Ireland was a proud night for the north coast - and Coleraine FC in particular.

Two former players played their part in the 1-0 win over Luxembourg while a third managed the team from the sidelines.

Brad Lyons started the game at Windsor Park and played well before being forced off injured in the second half.

But most of the attention centred on Portstewart man Patrick Kelly who came off the bench in the closing stages to win his first senior international cap.

It was a proud moment for the 21-year-old, watched from the stands by his parents and friends.

The midfielder, currently starring for English League One side Barnsley, acquitted himself well in his cameo, drawing praise from Stephen Craigan on commentary duties with BBC Sport NI.

Indeed, he almost set up a goal for Isaac Price in the dying stages after some neat play just inside the Luxembourg penalty area.

And the man who handed 'PK' his first senior international cap, of course, is none other than another ex-Coleraine player, Michael O'Neill.

Like Lyons and Kelly, the Ballymena man came to prominence as a prodigiously gifted teenager, his performances for the Bannsiders earning him a move to Newcastle United and a long career in the game.

No doubt the trio will have a huge role to play if Northern Ireland are to achieve their dream and qualify for next year's World Cup.

Now, wouldn't that be something...