And even if things go awry in Helsinki, third placed Hungary have to win their final two games to overtake Dallas and co.in the table.
Advertisement
The Northern Irishmen require just two points to seal their passage to the finals of the competition due to be held in France next summer.
Scottish champions Celtic are taking a keen interest in Michael O’Neill’s contract talks with Northern Ireland, HITC Sport understands.
Unfortunately for O’Neill, Lafferty is suspended for the game at the partly-renovated Windsor Park, but West Bromwich Albion defender Gareth McAuley should be fit although doubts remain about his club mate and former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.
Unlike their British neighbours Wales, on the verge of their first finals since the 1958 World Cup, Northern Ireland do not have a standout world class talent like Gareth Bale.
It has been a remarkable campaign for the team and Taggart, who played 51 times for Northern Ireland, believes O’Neill could have a shot in the Premier League once his time with the national team is over.
“We have players in this squad who are more than capable of stepping up to the plate”.
“It’s a massive game because there is a lot of pressure to get that win and see that “Q” next to our name”, Magennis said. Michael has shown great faith in the whole squad and that’s what it’s about in worldwide football.
“We’re quietly confident we can finish the job off against Greece on Thursday”, Norwood told BBC Radio Berkshire.
Advertisement
“It wasn’t too good for the heart, but it would have been an injustice if we hadn’t got something out of the game”. “As a group we know what it will take to get us to France and that’s what we’re focused on now”.
