Maik Taylor overlooked his disappointment at not recording a win over Israel last night to recognise the value of the game, three weeks ahead of a massively important World Cup qualifier in Poland.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper spelt out the importance of the squad being together as they aim for South Africa next summer and pointed to the fact that not one player withdrew from the squad — although Manchester United's Jonny Evans left the squad earlier to return to his club for treatment on an ankle injury.

“It was a very good test for us and a good work out, but we're disappointed we didn't win it,” said Taylor.

“This game was hugely important, we've another huge game in three weeks time in Poland and it was vital we got together and worked on a few things.

“It's a difficult time of the season, but it was massively important that we were here, the lads realised how important it was and everyone was here.

“Getting the game under our belt was important ahead of Poland.”

Taylor had to pick the ball out of the net in the first-half before making way for Jonny Tuffey at half-time, after being left exposed as the Israeli's attacked down the left and drew level after Grant McCann's opener.

“We got caught in possession and they played it quite nicely and opened us up. It was disappointing to give away a goal like that,” said Taylor. “We got back into the game in the second-half, had a few chances and with a bit more luck we could have won it.”

And with Tuffey waiting in the wings to take over the gloves in the future, the current holder of the number one shirt is happy to see his expected successor performing well — and keeping a 45 minute clean-sheet.

“I'd just came out to watch the game when Jonny made a good save with his legs,” said Taylor

“It will do him the world of good and boost his confidence by keeping a clean sheet and making a couple of saves.”

Captain Aaron Hughes was also somewhat disappointed not to come away with victory, but at least saw momentum maintained for that trip to Poland, which — if it yields a full three points — will go a long way to helping the ambition of making the World Cup finals being achieved.

“We were a little disappointed that after a good spell and getting the goal we didn't really kick on, but we'd rather that happened in a friendly than in Poland next month and it's something to learn and brush up on,” he said.