Worthington attacks poor performance

8:41am Thursday 20th November 2008

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington rounded on his side after the defeat by Hungary in a friendly at Windsor Park, claiming the performance was "embarrassing".

Second half goals from Sandor Torghelle and Fulham's Zoltan Gera gave the visitors a 2-0 victory in difficult conditions.

"It was hugely disappointing, very poor - there was a lack of energy, a lack of imagination from my team. It was 40 minutes before we put four passes together," said Worthington. "It was simply not good enough and highlighted where a lot of our players are in terms of not playing for their clubs."

He added: "They looked awful and that comes from their personal situations. If you are not fit, then you are going to be second best. We weren't fit enough, we weren't strong enough. It was men against boys."

Worthington refused to name the players concerned but added: "I am not telling you anything different to what I told them. It is straightforward black and white.

"It was embarrassing. We have short-changed the fans, especially with Christmas coming up.

"That's as bad a performance I've had since taking charge. I have given them plenty of praise but I have got to be honest with myself, with them and the supporters.

"We had people missing but we had enough quality for the team to perform. But we just did not do that."

The only outfield player to escape criticism was Derry winger Niall McGinn, who stepped off the bench to make his debut.

Worthington said: "He was the one bright spark in our side. He did what he is good at - he kept it simple. He ran at players when he had the opportunity and was not afraid."