The West Brom defender insists he and his Northern Ireland team-mates “had a point to prove” after few gave them a chance of picking up a point from a tough Euro 2016 group
Gareth McAuley believes Northern Ireland have proved their critics wrong by beating Ukraine 2-0 at Euro 2016 on Thursday.
McAuley broke the deadlock with a second-half header before substitute Niall McGinn wrapped up the Green and White Army's maiden win at a European Championship finals with an injury-time strike.
Joined by Germany and Poland in Group C, McAuley insists few gave Northern Ireland a chance of picking up a point in France this summer and says he is delighted they have been able to prove a point.