The strange case of David Healy

Northern Ireland’s David Healy has just scored his 27th goal in 55 games for his country after a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Liechtenstein on Saturday, his second in the 2008 European Championship qualifiers. If the opposition look under-par, his first one came against the not-too-shabby Spain at Windsor Park last year.

Meanwhile, his namesake at Leeds United is currently toiling away to no great success as they face the drop to League 1. David Healy, the club striker has had something of a journeyman career, taking in the delights of Norwich City, Port Vale and Preston North End as well as the slightly more salubrious surroundings of Old Trafford, but once he pulls on a Northern Ireland shirt, a different player appears before disbelieving eyes. Lawrie Sanchez described him as a ‘world class player’ after the game on Saturday, and on his international form it’s almost hard to disagree.

Will the real Healy please stand up? Rumours have surfaced in the past about an imminent transfer to a Premiership side and there were suggestions that half of La Liga wanted to sign him after his three goals against the Spain and it will surely be a shame if he ends up playing in League 1 next season, as it looks likely at the moment.

Healy’s goal against England in 2005 is celebrated by a mural in Belfast, and his name is chanted with the most vigour at Northern Ireland games and he thrives off the adoration he is afforded in Northern Ireland. His big-game record cannot be doubted either as the memorable goals against England and Spain engrained in every Northern Ireland fan’s brain forever prove.

At the relatively ancient age of 29, whether or not he’ll get his chance in the Premiership remains to be seen, but as every Northern Ireland fan can tell you, he’s certainly capable of it.

Oh, go on then: