Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan has hailed Maik Taylor for being a perfect role model.
NI defender salutes inspirational goalkeeper
Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan has hailed Maik Taylor for being a perfect role model.
The 39-year-old goalkeeper is set to play against Faroe Islands on Tuesday after keeping two clean sheets already during the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.
Craigan, 33, is a huge admirer of Taylor's professionalism and has urged the rest of the squad to follow his example.
"I think when Maik goes I will have to go as I will be the oldest in the squad," said Craigan.
"He always challenges himself, irrespective of whether he is playing or not. At 39 if he keeps wanting to do well and wanting to improve it sets a wonderful example to the younger players in the squad.
"If they have any thoughts or any doubts that they can't be bothered, they should look at Maik and how he goes about his business. I think if he can keep going, I can keep going.
"So he is a great influence on a lot of people. He loves playing for Northern Ireland like most of us do. Having that strength of character is a huge help to me."
Hard work
Taylor has had to play second fiddle to Joe Hart then Ben Foster at Birmingham for the past two seasons, but has still impressed for his country.
Craigan puts this down to Taylor's work ethic, with the veteran again performing well on Friday as Northern Ireland held Italy to a goalless draw.
"You would think he had played 10 or 12 games this season," said Craigan.
"To play so infrequently and produce performances like that (against Italy), you don't get it by luck.
"You do it by hard work and making sure when your chance comes along you have got to be on your toes and he has done that."
