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“To qualify by topping our group was one thing but
to then show we could compete at that level by
beating Ukraine was something else.
“The Wales game was such a disappointment
because the game was there for the taking. We
knew it then and I know it now but we have to
continue to improve to make sure that tournament
wasn’t a one-off.”
Tonight’s clash against San Marino will be the first
game at the fully completed new-look National
Football Stadium at Windsor Park and Davis knows
the reception the players will get from the adoring
Green and White Army.
“The reception they gave us when we came home
to Belfast from France was incredible,” he said.
“Words don’t really do it justice. The support the
fans gave us throughout the whole tournament
was amazing and that night at Titanic Belfast was
the icing on the cake.
“When we left Northern Ireland to go out to the
Euro 2016 finals you would never have thought that
we would be coming back to a reception like that. It
was unreal.
“A few of the lads thought they were in One
Direction being on the stage and looking down on
so many fans. It was a great experience.
“It shows the impact the tournament had on the
people of Northern Ireland and we are very proud
of that.
“But now we’re all looking forward to getting back
to our home stadium and hopefully giving them
something more to cheer about.”
Words:
Mark McIntosh, The Sun
www.irishfa.com53