Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill plots further shocks at Euro 2016 finals after historic night

Party time: Josh Magennis after last night’s historic result
(Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Giuseppe Muro9 October 2015

Michael O’Neill insists Northern Ireland are not going to Euro 2016 just to make up the numbers after qualifying for their first major tournament in 30 years.

Two goals by skipper Steven Davis and one from Josh Magennis secured a 3-1 win against Greece at Windsor Park last night which booked a place at next summer’s finals in France.

“We are not just going to go to France and enjoy it, we are going to try to make an impact,” said O’Neill, who becomes only the third manager in Northern Ireland’s history to steer his country to a major finals and the first since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

“We saw all the good things in Northern Ireland out there. I genuinely believe, fitness and availability willing, we can go there with a real optimism. It is an amazing feeling, what we have to look forward to.”

Davis is optimistic his side can make an impact at Euro 2016. “It is a dream come true,” said the former Fulham midfielder.

“We could not have asked for it to go any better. It is a huge achievement for the squad and the country and there was no better place to do it in front of our supporters who have pushed us all along.”

Northern Ireland won without the suspended Kyle Lafferty, Chris Baird and Conor McLaughlin plus the injured Jonny Evans. They will secure top spot in Group F if they manage to get a point in Finland on Sunday in their final qualifier but attention now turns to the draw for next year’s finals on December 12.

O’Neill is also set to hold contract talks with the Irish FA. He said: “I have said all along that we would review the situation at the end of the campaign.

“My contract now automatically runs to the end of the tournament and the IFA board and myself will sit down and work out the best way forward.”

Supporters partied on the streets of Belfast after the game, while sports stars Rory McIlroy and Carl Frampton were at Windsor Park to witness history being made.

Four-time major winner McIlroy tweeted: “Unbelievable result for the republic too! Great night for the island of Ireland, north and south. Hopefully see both teams in France next yr”

Boxer Frampton said: “It is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It is the first time I have seen anything like this and it is unbelievable, I will never forget it.”

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