BLACKBURN winger Keith Gillespie is back to his best according to his international boss Sammy McIlroy.

Gillespie's scintillating wing-play inspired Northern Ireland to their biggest victory in six years against Finland on Wednesday.

And McIlroy now believes the 26-year-old has rediscovered the form which saw him become one of the hottest properties in football during his early days at Manchester United.

"I think Keith is an example of how you can turn things around," said McIlroy.

"He could easily have just slipped into the wilderness and drifted away but he's got character and he's shown that.

"And now he showing everyone just what a good player he can be.

"I remember him at Manchester United and now he's starting to look like the player he was then -- and long may it continue."

Fresh from laying on two of the North's goals in midweek, Gillespie now has Sunderland in his sights at the Stadium of Light tomorrow.

And the rejuvenated wide-man is brimming over with confidence ahead of the clash.

"As a winger that's what it's all about," said Gillespie. "You need confidence to take the full-back on and I feel on top of my game at the moment.

"Every time I get the ball I feel as though I can go past a man and it was nice to provide a couple of goals for my country in midweek.

"I think I'm benefiting from the fact I've had a good pre-season because that's always so important when you come back from a lay-off over the summer.

"So now it's up to me to just stick in there and make sure I stay in the team."