Captain Trai Hume felt Northern Ireland should have been more comfortable winners after overcoming Luxembourg 2-0 at Windsor Park in the opening game of their 2024 Nations League campaign.
The hosts won for just the second time in 17 games in the competition thanks to early goals from Paddy McNair and Dan Ballard.
While they had a host of chances to add to the score, they would not find the net again after the 16th minute.
“I thought we started the game well,” said the Sunderland defender who wore the captain’s armband in the first game after Jonny Evans‘ international retirement.
“To go 2-0 up in 15 minutes put us in good stead for the rest of the game. We created a lot of chances and probably could have scored more if we’re honest.
“We could have managed the game better as well, but it’s good to come away with the three points.”
For Northern Ireland’s players, attention now turns to Sunday’s second game of this Nations League doubleheader away to Bulgaria.
After Bulgaria drew 0-0 with Belarus in their opener, a positive result for Northern Ireland in Plovdiv would see Michael O’Neill’s side take control of their pool in the early stages.
“We’re looking forward to it,” added Hume.
“It’ll be a long flight and it’ll be warm out there but we’ll be ready for it.”