BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Worthington praise for Lafferty

Worthington directs his team during the victory against Georgia

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington was delighted with the performance of Kyle Lafferty in the 4-1 friendly win over Georgia at Windsor Park.

The 20-year-old Burnley forward scored twice before being forced off with a thigh injury at half-time.

"Kyle is the real deal and showed potentially what a good player he could become," said Worthington.

"He is a young lad and still has a lot to learn but he worked hard and I'm delighted with his performance."

Lafferty netted with a side-foot finish before heading in from David Healy's cross.

He added: "I'm not going to give him too much praise because he is a young player.

"He was carrying a knock before the game and it started to tighten up before the break so we brought him off."

Worthington also had praise for veteran winger Keith Gillespie, who was named ahead of Lafferty as man-of-the-match.

"We know what he can do but in terms of attacking and working back he was first class.

"He's a great advert to the younger players on how to perform."