Northern Ireland Under 21 caretaker boss Andy Crosby praised the character of David Parkhouse after the striker missed a penalty and then scored in Friday night's win over Malta.
Crosby's side earned a 2-0 victory in the behind-closed-doors clash at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali.
Linfield defender Ross Larkin scored the opener after 57 minutes with Parkhouse forcing home the second to complete the win.
Both goals came after Sheffield United striker Parkhouse had a penalty saved by Malta goalkeeper Timothy Aquilina.
"The players were an absolute credit to themselves," caretaker Crosby told the IFA website.
"I thought we had good moments in the game, and considering our preparation time was limited I thought there were some really good elements.
"I think we were thoroughly deserving of the three points."
He added: "I am also delighted for David Parkhouse. I asked who wanted to take penalties yesterday and his hand went through the roof.
"And the moment he got it, just before half-time, was a pressure situation. It would have been very easy for him to come in the second half and not perform and feel sorry for himself but I thought he was absolutely fantastic."
Northern Ireland sit fourth in Group 8 after picking up their first win in the current Euro qualifying campaign.
Parkhouse said Friday night's win was down to a team effort.
"I am a striker and I try my best to score goals and chip in, but it isn't all about me. It is about the team, and a defender Ross scored the first goal," he said.
"It shows we have quality all over the pitch.
"At the end of the day I want to be a senior international, but I won't get there without good performances for the Under 21s.
"But again, it is about having the quality in a team to make me play well, and for me to do the ame so everyone else does well.
"It is not just me, it is everyone else."
