Lawrie Sanchez was reported to have been handed an ultimatum by the Irish Football Association (IFA) after defeat at Windsor Park at the hands of Iceland. However the manager worked his magic and with the same squad of players he has helped the nation to its second most monumental victory in a quarter of a century.

Sanchez was at the helm in the last ‘Great’ victory, not that there are many, against England a year ago in World Cup qualifiers. David Healy was again the provider of the strikes that grabbed the glory, however this time the scalps were those of a star studded Spanish side.

Healy twice levelled for the home side after they went behind to goals from Xabi and David Villa. His final strike on the stroke of 80 mins was enough to secure victory and a well earned three points; and send the Norn Iron faithful home happy full of songs of joy and happy memories compared to the boos they left with on Saturday.

A poor run of results and Sanchez’s inability to interact with the media well has helped fire the peculation that he is about to jump or be pushed. However it has been reported that the IFA chairman Jim Boyce has indicated that he would like Sanchez to stay at least until the end of this qualifying campaign.