NORTHERN Ireland boss Michael O'Neill was delighted to return to winning ways and build some confidence before the UEFA Nations League resumes next month with trips to Austria and Bosnia.

Goals from Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and debutant Gavin Whyte secured a 3-0 friendly win over Israel at Windsor Park while Blackburn Rovers midfielder Corry Evans playing the first half before being replaced by Burnley-born Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Norwood.

"In many ways it felt like, particularly in the first half, we played better on Saturday (when Northern Ireland lost to Bosnia in the Nations League), but the result was important," he said. "You talk about getting back to winning ways and we certainly did that."

Northern Ireland may not have created as many chances as they did on Saturday but they did create cleaner openings which they could take advantage of.

"Maybe that's down to Bosnia as well," O'Neill added. "They defended well, defended in numbers and were strong in that aspect.

"The game was different because there was probably more space at times. We weren't dominating and playing in their half so things did open up for us."