It’s the last international of the year on Wednesday night, so no better time to reflect on how manager Nigel Worthington and the Northern Ireland side have performed in 2008.

From 2004 onwards, it has been a rollercoaster ride following our national team with the infamous goal drought ending, epic victories over England, Spain, Sweden and Denmark, Lawrie Sanchez departing, Nigel Worthington arriving, David Healy breaking the Euro qualifying goalscoring record and just missing out on reaching the Euro 2008 finals. More highs than lows.

Little wonder there was so much optimism entering this year. Sadly, though, we have not progressed in the way that was hoped.

Ahead of Wednesday’s friendly with Hungary, the 2008 record reads played seven, won two, drew two and lost three.

In competitive matches, it isn’t any better; won one, drew one and lost two, and that victory was at home to San Marino!

All in all, disappointing.

The highlights of the year were the scoreless draw at home to the Czech Republic, the iconic Michel Platini presenting Healy with his UEFA award before a fine 4-1 friendly victory over Georgia and Spain winning Euro 2008 as it gave us more credibility.

The low points were not being at Euro 2008 and World Cup losses away to Slovakia and Slovenia.

That defeat in Slovakia was a massive blow. It was a fantastic opportunity to start the campaign with a bang, but Worthington played the wrong formation, 4-5-1, with Healy on his own up front, and the defence went to pieces from crossed balls.

Supporters, still upset at the manager’s decision a year before to leave the reliable Stephen Craigan out of defeats in Latvia and Iceland, which cost the Green and White Army a dream trip to Austria and Switzerland, were actually chanting “4-4-2” out in Slovakia.

To be fair, Worthington got the tactics right for the draw with the Czechs a few days later, with his side producing a super display.

I’ve been asked by many fans why, given the defeats in Slovakia and Slovenia, Nigel has had an easy ride from most of the media.

Perhaps because unlike the previous boss, the present one gets on with the press. A more pertinent point is that it is relatively early in this campaign.

It’s true to say though that with Lawrie Sanchez raising the bar of expectation for everyone here, Worthington has failed to jump that high this year.

Results need to improve dramatically next year, and, as manager, Nigel is experienced enough to know that he has ultimate responsibility for that.

To keep our World Cup hopes alive, I’d say we need a minimum of 13 points from 18 to have a chance.

If successful, next year will put 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the shade and Nigel will be up there with Billy Bingham!

As for Wednesday, go on lads, end what has been a largely flat year in style — beat the Hungarians and set yourselves and the rest of us up for an exciting and successful 2009.

The cap fits for ace winger Gillespie

Keith Gillespie will win his 86th cap for Northern Ireland against Hungary this week.

That will put him two behind Sammy McIlroy in the all-time list, headed by Pat Jennings on 119 with Mal Donaghy in second place on 91.

Keith wants to make it all the way to the century.

And I, for one, would love to see him achieve that feat.

Gillespie is a modern day great for Northern Ireland.

Of course, the legendary David Healy has done more than any other player to make us a force in international football again, but Gillespie’s influence should not be underestimated.

He is hugely passionate about playing for his country. It means far more to him these days than his club career, which is unfortunately floundering at Sheffield United.

And it shows when he goes on those daring runs down the right flank, which are so important in getting the Northern Ireland fans going.

His first international was on September 7, 1994 - exactly 11 years later he played a vital part in the 1-0 win over England - and his first goal, a terrific effort against Austria, came in his second appearance. He’s only scored one more since which disappoints him, but he’s created many more as David Healy would tell you.

Now 33, Keith (right) is in the autumn of his international career. A bit like David Beckham, with less money, he knows he needs a new club and regular football to keep going at the highest level.

I hope it happens for him. And I hope he gets those 100 caps. The thing is he’ll probably have to help Northern Ireland reach the World Cup finals to do it.

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There are some who say Northern Ireland’s friendly with Hungary on Wednesday is pointless. I’m not a big fan of friendlies myself, but they do have value.

In saying that there is another game on Wednesday night that is far more important for Northern Ireland, than the match we will actually be playing.

That’s the World Cup qualifier between San Marino and the Czech Republic.

If the Czechs win, Northern Ireland will be three points behind them, Poland and Slovenia and five adrift of Slovakia in Group 3. Come on San Marino!

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Bolton’s game with Liverpool on Saturday was the 5,000th shown live by Sky Sports.

Some of Sky’s output leaves me cold such as saying a match is great when it is clearly dreadful and treating certain managers with kid gloves.

Ultimately though Sky has enhanced football with its extensive coverage. Out of the first 5,000 live games, 1,123 were from the Premier League, 571 from the Champions League and a whopping 798 from Spain.

There have been seven from the Irish League. Let’s hope the eighth tonight between Cliftonville and Glentoran is a cracker.