Lafferty and Healy ensure Irish joy

Healy was given a special award by UEFA president Michel Platini before the match in honour of his scoring exploits in Euro 2008 qualifying, but he missed a string of chances before Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty finished a snappy move for the opener.

Healy did register with a deflected long-range shot before Lafferty headed a third. Healy then slid the ball into his own net after Maik Taylor had saved Levan Tskitishvili's spot-kick following a handball by debutant Michael O'Connor, while Peter Thompson bundled in a late fourth for the hosts.

The home side dominated from the off. Veteran winger Keith Gillespie broke free down the right flank in the second minute and crossed low across the face of goal, but none of the on-rushing attackers were able to make contact with his dangerous ball.

The home side were utterly dominant and fashioned a classy opening goal in the 25th minute after the Georgians gave the ball away in defence.

Healy fed Steven Davis, who squared for Lafferty to score his fourth international goal with a first-time shot from 10 yards.

It was two shortly after when Healy latched on to Damien Johnson's header and shot from 25 yards. A wicked deflection off AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze was enough to send it past the sprawling Makaridze.

Lafferty then made it three in the 36th minute with a fine header from Healy's right-wing cross.

Then, out of nowhere, the visitors won a penalty in the 54th minute when O'Connor handled a cross. Taylor made a brilliant save low to his right to tip Tskitishvili's spot-kick on to the post, and as the midfielder attempted to collect the follow-up, Healy slid in to challenge but only succeeded in sending the ball into his own net.

In the 87th minute, Thompson bundled home a fourth for Northern Ireland - arguably with his arm - after Aaron Hughes' flick-on caused panic in the Georgian defence.