Northern Ireland media reacts to West Brom ace Paddy McNair’s display in 5-0 rout v Bulgaria
West Brom ace Paddy McNair has been praised by the Northern Ireland media after the part he played in his nation’s 5-0 thrashing of Bulgaria.
McNair and his international teammates have come in for deserved adulation after achieving their biggest winning margin of the 21st century in Tuesday’s (15 October) contest at Windsor Park.
The 29-year-old earned his 73rd senior cap on a memorable night – one of several milestones, as youngster Isaac Price became the first Northern Irishman to net a competitive hat-trick for the country since David Healy in 2007.
The Belfast Telegraph [15 October] gave McNair a 7/10 rating on the night as he played the full 90 minutes at centre-half, and added: “On a night when the attacking players dazzled, McNair did his job in a quiet but effective manner. Was composed and showed all his experience.”
Albion’s McNair was also described as “solid” and one of the team’s “heroes all over the pitch” by the same publication.
Belfast Live [15 October] also offered a score of seven for the Baggie, stating: “The experienced campaigner kept things tight at the back again.”
Paddy McNair will hope for West Brom attention after Northern Ireland displays
McNair signed for West Brom in the summer but has not yet appeared in what has been a hugely encouraging Championship season overall.
The former Manchester United man has to date only turned out in the Carabao Cup, with a mixture of injury and team selection keeping him from donning the stripes in the league thus far.
Like last season, Carlos Corberan has a settled backline, with Semi Ajayi filling the void left by the trusty Cedric Kipre from 2023-24.
Even in the central midfield areas, Alex Mowatt, Jayson Molumby and Uros Racic ensure the versatile McNair has not yet had a proper chance.
The Baggies will be pleased they have experienced and hardened players on the fringes to call upon, but a seasoned international like McNair will want to play – and so far he is only getting a sniff when he goes away with Northern Ireland.
In other West Brom news, Mason Holgate’s international duty with Jamaica is analysed.
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