Niall McGinn

Northern Ireland are on the verge of qualifying for their first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup. It would be an incredible achievement from what looked a difficult qualifying group.

Michael O’Neill’s side are currently top of Group F with two games remaining. They play Greece tonight at home before finishing their qualifying campaign away to Finland on Sunday. One win will be enough to see them make it to France in the summer. There is an Aberdeen connection with the side as of course as the manager had a spell at Pittodrie, Niall McGinn and Ryan McLaughlin are in the squad along with former Don Josh Magennis.

RedTV | Niall spoke recently to us about the matches this week. To watch the interview in full please click here

“At the start of the campaign, looking at the format, we knew it was going to be the best chance we would have of qualifying for a major tournament. Thankfully so far things have gone well and all the boys are very excited.

“We have two more games and one final push is needed. Hopefully we can do it.

“The start we had to the campaign was a massively important. The first three of our four games were away from home. Going to Hungry and beating them 2-1 in the first game was huge. We then followed that up by beating Greece and although we were beaten narrowly by Romania we took nine points from a possible 12. That was a big help. That start allowed us to kick on. Also the last minute equaliser against Hungry was vitally important. It also typified the attitude the players have had throughout the campaign.

“We have also been very consistent. The performances have been very good. The team spirit amongst the squad has been excellent.

“Since coming in the manager has been very very good. He has been very positive. He has created that good spirit and morale amongst the group.

“Also every player who has been called upon has come in and played well. If we have had players out injured or suspended other players have come in and done a good job. So collectively it has been very good effort.

“The two games coming up are difficult. We don’t want to be relying on anyone else so hopefully we can finish the job off ourselves. It is a big job but one we are looking forward to.

“If we do qualify it will be an historic moment and it would be very special to be part of. I was born in 1987 so was around the last time we qualified for a major tournament.

“But we are not there yet.

“There is still work to be done. Greece will come to Belfast with nothing to lose which will make them dangerous opponents. There are still a team with a lot of quality players.”