Craig Cathcart scored his first international goal last night to help Northern Ireland clinch a 1-1 draw against Finland and secure their place at next summer’s European Championships.

The Watford centre-back, who was named man of the match, headed home Niall McGinn’s cross in the 31st minute to put Michael O'Neill's side ahead. But it wasn’t enough to ensure victory as Paulus Arajuuri netted a late equaliser.

However, a point was all Northern Ireland needed to book their spot in their first major tournament for 30 years.

Cathcart spent the majority of his country’s qualifying campaign on the substitutes’ bench but an injury to Jonny Evans allowed him the opportunity to start against Greece on Thursday and then against Finland.

“I had only come off the bench previously but I got two starts at the end of the campaign and to have played in such a big game against Greece is great,” the Hornets defender told the News Letter.

“It’s great to finally play my part and I look forward to helping the lads in the tournament.”

Cathcart continued: “It wasn’t the best of games but it was nice to get my first goal and the point to get us to the top of the group at the end of it. We didn’t play well but it shows the spirit of the group to grind through it and get a result.”

The 26-year-old described his goal as the cherry on top of Northern Ireland’s promotion cake but the former Manchester United defender insists he wouldn’t be getting too excited about opening his account.

“I didn’t really think too much about it,” he said. “I’m not one to get excited about scoring but I’ll reflect on it later. I know it’s an important goal.”

Elsewhere, Odion Ighalo netted for Nigeria in their 3-0 win against Cameroon. The Golden Boys striker was introduced in the 73rd minute and struck the Super Eagles’ third goal with two minutes remaining.