Fulham and Northern Ireland striker David Healy has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Healy scored 13 goals in Northern Ireland’s unsuccessful qualifying campaign for Euro 2008, breaking a record held by Croatia’s Davor Suker.
He is his country’s all-time top scorer with 34 goals from 64 appearances, and he has been recognised for his services to football.
The 28-year-old’s community work has also been acknowledged, as he is a patron of the George Best Memorial Trust.
Healy, who joined Fulham from Leeds last summer, has spoken of his pride at the award and thanked his family and former coaches.
“I’m truly honoured and delighted, it’s a special award,” he told the club’s official website.
“First of all to be nominated was an honour, but to actually receive it – I’m thrilled to bits.
“I have to thank a lot of people – my mum and dad, my wife and my kids. I would also like to thank all of the coaches that I’ve had, right from a young age.
“The managers I have played under, who have all given me great confidence – and obviously the players I have played with at club and international level.
“They’ve made it all possible and I wouldn’t be receiving this award as an individual if it wasn’t for them.
“Without the help of my team-mates and friends I wouldn’t be receiving this award.
“Roy Hodgson always tells us how privileged we are to be playing football because people on the street would give their left arm to play in the Premier League and play for their country. So I’m very lucky indeed to receive an award like this.”
