Northern Ireland v Greece (02/06/2022)

So here we are at the start of another campaign and I am delighted to say the squad is in good shape ahead of what will be a tough schedule of fixtures over the next 11 days.

We don’t exactly have a great track record in the UEFA Nations League, however both the players and coaching staff believe we can put that right when we compete in the third edition of the competition. We’ve got a good mixture of youth and experience in the squad, with several exciting prospects who I am confident will show they are ready to take their game up a level on the international stage. I sense among the younger players that they are desperate to do well , while those that have been there and done it can be a calming inf luence on the rest . Four games in 11 days is going to be a stretch for everyone involved. But we have good depth to the group just now and I have no doubt we will have to make changes as we go along. It was disappointing to be relegated to League C in the second edition of the competition but that’s now firmly behind us and we must concentrate fully on the task of gaining promotion back to League B. Greece, like ourselves, will want a positive result tonight to kick-start their campaign in Group 2. That means we will have to be on our guard, but at the same time we have to be courageous and brave on the ball , especially with our great home support behind us. The four Nations League games this month and the two in September are so important as we look forward to next year’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Being at Germany 2024 is our long-term goal so these games play a part in that . It’s about looking at the squad, swelling the squad and giving people chances. We want to do well in the Nations League. We want to top the group, which could get us a play-off place for the Euros and that’s nothing to be sniffed at . You’ve also got to weigh up what’s right for the group and that’s seeing players come in and giving them their chance so you have more players with experience going into that Euros qualifying group when it comes around next year. Naturally, we will miss having Stuart Dallas in our ranks today and we wish him a speedy recovery following his leg break at the end of April . His absence presents an opportunity for someone else to step up, to show the determination and commitment that Stuart always shows when he pulls on the green jersey. Due to injury and fatigue following a gruelling season we are also missing some other experienced campaigners but again this presents an opportunity for others to show what they can do. And with our fantastic fans roaring them on – thanks as ever for your support tonight – I am sure all the players will rise to the occasion. IAN BARACLOUGH NORTHERN IRELAND MANAGER

IRISHFA.COM

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