Hi °C | Lo °C Northern Ireland's star goalkeeper Maik Taylor last night admitted he was devastated at being left out of Lawrie Sanchez's original starting line-up on Wednesday night against mighty Spain.
Northern Ireland's star goalkeeper Maik Taylor last night admitted he was devastated at being left out of Lawrie Sanchez's original starting line-up on Wednesday night against mighty Spain.
But the Birmingham City number one insisted that the disappointment he experienced soon turned to joy after coming on as a first half substitute for the unfortunate Roy Carroll, as he was able to play an important role in the astonishing win over the Spanish.
Taylor (above) was originally overlooked by boss Sanchez as the former Wycombe Wanderers manager opted for Carroll.
The 36-year-old was dropped to the bench, but was called into action on nine minutes when Carroll was forced to limp off the Windsor Park pitch with a strain.
Taylor conceded two goals but made a phenomenal close range save from Carlos Puyol in the dying minutes to ensure Northern Ireland recorded one of their greatest ever victories at Windsor Park.
It was in complete contrast to last Saturday's shocking display against Iceland which ended in an embarrassing 3-0 defeat.
Taylor said: "It was an unbelievable achievement to beat Spain and it came at the right time because we owed everyone a performance after the Iceland game.
"On a personal level I was very disappointed to be left out of the initial plan but I also know it's not about me.
"However, unfortunately for Roy he had to come off and that gave me the opportunity to step in and enjoy playing my part in a fantastic win."
After Iceland no-one could see Northern Ireland qualifying for the European Championships, however, Taylor believes Wednesday's result has changed things.
He continued: "We are back in there now after getting that victory."
