The striker, on loan to Dundee United from Cardiff, dedicated his goal in the 10th minute to his mother, who is in hospital.

She was admitted on the eve of the game after breaking her leg playing with her grandchildren.

After the 3-2 victory, Feeney said: "I would like to dedicate the goal to my mum.

"I got the bad news at the team hotel that she had fallen and broken her leg, so I was up at the hospital all night.

"She is okay after going through an operation. Everything went well.

"She told me just to go out and play my normal game. I said I would nick a goal for her. I am pleased to do that and delighted we got the three points."

Northern Ireland are now top of Group Three and entertain Slovenia on Wednesday.

Feeney added: "It is a massive win for us and we now we have another another home game on Wednesday. It is one we are looking forward to and one we know we can win."