Carroll to the rescue much to Fergie’s delight

Faroe Islands Frodi Benjaminsen watches as his penalty is saved by Northern Ireland goal keeper Roy Carroll during Saturday night's EURO 2016 Group F Qualifier at Windsor Park.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye — Faroe Islands Frodi Benjaminsen watches as his penalty is saved by Northern Ireland goal keeper Roy Carroll during Saturday night's EURO 2016 Group F Qualifier at Windsor Park. Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

Ferguson was spotted by referee Alon Yefet tugging at the shirt of Joan Edmundsson and, for once, a silence descended on the packed international arena.

It was a foolish decision by the Derry man.

He appeared under no apparent danger.

“It was a rush off blood to the head – I did tug at his shirt,” said the Newcastle man.

“I thought I may have got away with it as Roy had gathered the ball. It was a stupid incident on my part.

“I don’t think there was any question of me being sent off. It never came into my thoughts.

“I’m just lucky Roy saved the penalty. It took a lot of pressure of us.

“Even though I haven’t had a lot of game time, I’ve been working hard on the training pitch and putting on the work, so I wouldn’t make that as an excuse.”

Ferguson was obviously thrilled to be given a late call following the injury to Chris Brunt.

Brunt suffered a groin strain in training on Thusday and has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash with Greece.

Ferguson was the supplier of the cross for Kyle Lafferty to side foot home the second goal.

“I was happy enough with my performance – other than the penalty,” added Ferguson. “Kyle made a good run and I managed to pick him out.

“I tried to get forward as much as I could. I linked up with Niall (McGinn) quite well in the first half. I’ve played at lot with Niall, Wardy (Jamie Ward) over the past few years, so I’ve got to know them quite well.”