Blackpool's Jordan Thompson earns fifth cap as Northern Ireland see off Czech Republic in friendly win

Thompson played over an hour in Northern Ireland's friendly win in Prague

Jordan Thompson earned his fifth international cap as Northern Ireland clung on to an impressive 3-2 friendly win against Czech Republic.

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The Blackpool man started the game in Prague and played 65 minutes, before eventually being replaced by Middlesbrough’s George Saville.

Michael O’Neill’s men romped into a 3-0 first-half lead thanks to a Paddy McNair double and a Jonny Evans effort.

The home side reduced the deficit two minutes after Thompson was brought off, Vladimir Darida the man to score the goal.

Alex Kral scored Czech Republic’s second a minute later to set up a nervy finish, but Northern Ireland held on for the win against England’s recent conquerors.

Thompson’s appearance comes after the 22-year-old played the final eight minutes of Northern Ireland’s agonising 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands on Thursday.

O’Neill’s side had led in the pivotal Euro 2020 qualifier through Josh Magennis’ goal, only to be pegged back before conceding two stoppage-time goals to come away empty handed.

A win would have had Northern Ireland on course for Euro 2020; a draw would have left them with a strong chance; defeat leaves those hopes hanging by a thread.

Northern Ireland are now in third place in Group C, three points adrift of both the Netherlands and Germany with two games to play.