Northern Ireland v Czech Republic

MANAGER’S

VIEW

So here we go again! It doesn’t seem like only two years ago that

I was writing for the programme about our chances of qualification

to the European Championship finals.

of what would be another remarkable achievement,

and I have to say as coach that this group of

players certainly deserve their success.

Over all of my time as manager of Northern

Ireland I have been amazed and delighted at the

application, determination and ability of this group

of players. In Steven Davis and Jonny Evans we

have two fine leaders who provide the backbone

of our squad, not only on the pitch but off it. They

have provided the rock around which others such

as Conor Washington and Conor McLaughlin have

flourished and developed.

I know that tonight will once again be extremely

challenging. The Czechs have a lot to play for, and

as long as there is a chance I know they will be

giving their all, but I also know that my team will

also be striving to find the elusive point/s to assure

us of play-off qualification. It should be an exciting

night.

I also know that regardless of the result we

will have your undying support. The Green and

White Army continue to provide remarkable

encouragement for us everywhere we go – not

only in Belfast but in Prague, Hannover, San Marino

and Baku, and no doubt in Oslo, and if we make the

qualification play-off wherever that match will be

played. There is nothing better than seeing the fans

in their colourful outfits and in full voice to lift the

team. The support was wonderful in Serravalle on

Friday night.

We all salute you for your support and I trust that

the team will repay it with positive performances

and results.

So here we go! I for one can’t wait.

Michael O’Neill

Northern Ireland Manager

And now in a strange piece of déjà vu we are

facing three more crucial autumn matches which

could mean that we are destined for a World Cup

qualification play-off in November.

Our measured, composed and professional

performance against San Marino on Friday night,

coupled with Germany’s win against the Czechs

the same night, means we require a draw against

Czech Republic to guarantee the runners-up spot

in the group.

It appears it might even be good enough to cement

a play-off slot - but we can’t say for sure yet as that

still depends on results in the remaining games in

other groups.

What we can control right now is our own

performance tonight – and I am confident the

players can take care of business.

This match against the Czechs is essentially the

first of three games where we have an opportunity

to claim that coveted second place behind the

world champions.

The Czechs have to win all of their remaining

fixtures to have any chance of grabbing runners-up

spot in Group C, while we have three opportunities,

starting tonight, to grab the point we need.

The Czechs rested some players for the Germany

fixture, apparently with this game in mind, so we

will have to be on our guard. It was tough against

them last autumn and I know they will provide

strong opposition again.

Naturally, there is pressure on us to get a result

tonight but I have no doubt the team will handle it

well. I think our experiences during the Euro 2016

campaign, where we rose to the occasion when we

had big prizes to play for, will hold us in good stead.

We have, through our consistent performances and

results in the group, brought ourselves to the brink