Northern Ireland striker David Healy has been backed to break Davor Suker's qualification scoring record.
Northern Ireland striker level with Suker mark
Northern Ireland striker David Healy has been backed to break Davor Suker's European Championship qualification scoring record.
Irish boss Nigel Worthington believes the Fulham forward, currently level with Croatian great Suker on 12 goals, will set a new mark in their two remaining matches.
The province still have a slim chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 as they tackle Denmark at Windsor Park today before travelling to Spain on Wednesday.
Suker set his mark during the qualification campaign for Euro 96, but Worthington believes it will be eclipsed by the talismanic Healy.
Magnificent
"He will do it, hopefully on Saturday," said the former Norwich boss.
"It would be a magnificent achievement given the size of Northern Ireland.
"But David is like a good wine. He is improving with age. What comes with age is experience and he uses these tools very well.
"He loves scoring goals and that is a great habit to have."
Tremendous
Healy is currently two ahead of Arsenal's Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva who is on 10, goals with Manchester's Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo two further back.
While there is no Golden Boot on offer, there are considerable bragging rights at stake.
Healy was reluctant to discuss the possibility of overtaking Suker but Worthington said: "David will break many records over the next few years.
"Considering we went through a barren spell (1298 minutes with scoring), to catch up the way he has done is tremendous.
"What you have to remember as well is that David is a team player. I am sure the record would mean little to him if we do not succeed."
