Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington was proud after his side won their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign opener.

Substitute Corry Evans scored the winner in the 70th minute to stun World Cup qualifiers Slovenia after getting on the end of a glorious cross from Blackpool's Craig Cathcart on his debut.

Cathcart was only drafted in as Corry's brother Jonny, the Manchester United defender, was ruled out with a groin injury.

Old Trafford midfielder Evans told Sky Sports: "I haven't scored for Northern Ireland since I was a schoolboy, so to get on the scoresheet in such an important match is fantastic.

"We've had our criticism over our away from and for not being able to score goals, so to win away with a clean sheet is great."

Slovenia were clear favourites after running England close in South Africa. They named 10 of their 11 starters in that match here.

But Northern Ireland dug in after losing one of their key players.

Worthington said: "We worked all week with Jonny as a left-back. I was disappointed to lose him but you cannot take your thoughts away from everyone else.

"Whatever big brother can do little brother can do as well. What a family that is. Young Corry is a fantastic young professional.

"I have worked with him now for three years. He has a lot of ability and is a very honest young man. I had no qualms about putting him on and the goal was a nice little surprise. He also worked his socks off.

"Craig had an excellent debut. It is not his best position but he did a good solid job.

"We defended magnificently in the second half, we rode the storm and got the goal to win the game.

"When you play for Northern Ireland you have to work very hard and our players were fantastic, very solid. We stuck to our game plan and it worked."

Worthington also handed a competitive debut to schoolboy Johnny Gorman, who stepped off the bench, and said: "He is a great young talent for Northern Ireland."

Goalkeeper Maik Taylor, 39 on Saturday, said: "The boys put their bodies on the line and worked extremely hard.

"Our preparation was fantastic in the week and we had plenty of confidence - but the boys dug in."

On his birthday celebrations, the Birmingham player added: "I am up early so I'll limit it to a couple and have a proper celebration on Saturday night."