Warren Feeney defends NI manager Nigel Worthington
Last updated on .From the section Football
Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney has defended manager Nigel Worthington and believes the players should take the blame for disappointing displays.
Worthington came in for criticism from some supporters after the 1-0 defeat by Serbia, with one fan throwing his replica shirt in the boss's direction.
"I saw the fan when I was warming up and it's not nice," said Feeney.
"If he wants to come and meet the players and vent his frustration at us then he can do that," he added.
"The criticism shouldn't be heaped on Nigel - he's the manager and he picks the team but we are the ones who cross the white line."
Northern Ireland's hopes of Euro 2012 qualification took a major dent with Friday night's 1-0 defeat at Windsor Park.
Feeney agrees that supporters are entitled to show their discontent if they wish but believes expectations may be higher now than in the past.
"It's difficult because fans pay good money and want good performances but I can guarantee we go out and try our best.
"We're not blessed with superstars, but look at the other night when Windsor Park was rocking.
"When I was a kid we only used to get 4,000 in - that shows how expectation has risen."
Feeney says the NI players are determined to put things right against Estonia in Tallinn on Tuesday night.
"We'll pick ourselves up and try to put it right - the only way to do that is to get the right result against Estonia.
"We're still in it and if we get the right result then everything will change for us."
