MK Dons defender Lee Hodson played 90 minutes for Northern Ireland last night in their FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying defeat to Portugal.
Michael O’Neill’s side fought back from a goal down to lead a ten-man Portugal 2-1 at one stage but, after having two men sent off themselves and a 16-minute hat-trick from Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, the Northern Irish lost 4-2.
Due to several injuries at the back for Northern Ireland, Hodson was handed the unenviable task of dealing with Ronaldo but the 21-year-old did a commendable job in keeping the former Ballon d’Or winner quiet down the left-hand flank on his eighth international appearance. Two of Ronaldo’s three strikes came from the right with his hat-trick a direct finish from a set-piece.
Next up for Hodson and Northern Ireland is a trip to bottom of the table Luxembourg on Tuesday night, where they will hope to pick up their second win of the campaign.