DUNMURRY man Derek McKinlay has reached the double century with Northern Ireland.
The former Lisburn Distillery physio/kitman clocked up 200 games with the National side in Scotland on Wednesday.
Derek McKinley who reached 200 games with Northern Ireland on Wednesday. Pic by William Cherry/Presseye
"I never imagined reaching this special landmark when I took over from the late Bobby McGregor way back in 1981," said Derek. "My first game was against Israel - I can remember them all as if they were yesterday,"
Derek has worked under seven national managers including Billy Bingham, Jim Platt, Lawrie McMenamee, Bryan Hamilton, Sammy McIlroy, Lawrie Sanchez and now Nigel Worthington.
There have been some great highs too. "Beating Spain in the 1982 World Cup finals is top of the list, but we also beat Germany in Hamburg, that incredible night against England in Belfast and also the recent 3-2 win over Spain."
Of all the players down the years Derek picks out Jimmy Nicholl as the biggest character of them all. "I have enjoyed every minute of it, 200 is very special and I can't believe how quickly it has gone."
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