“Pierce Charles gives us that calmness when it goes back to the goalkeeper. I think with Bailey Peacock-Farrell we get a little nervy as I don’t think his kicking is generally as good.”
Pierce was again playing alongside his brother Shea and the Sheffield Wednesday stopper wants to become a regular starter.
“Hopefully, that was what I came here to do. When I got the nod to play, that was my target and aim, to keep my position in the team.
“International football is the biggest stage. To play and keep a clean sheet in a 5-0 win, we’ve not done that for a while, so it’s amazing.”
Brodie Spencer almost got on the scoresheet – his shot deflected off the post and then Mitov for an own goal to make it 3-0.
The Huddersfield Town midfielder savoured the occasion and gave an insight into Northern Ireland’s positive attitude.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable and to be part of that and feel that atmosphere in person was unreal – it’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was kid.
“It’s a young team, quite an exciting team and we have no fear and you could see that [in this match]. We go after teams, we’re up for the fight and when the fans get behind you it’s like having an extra man on the pitch.”