Northern Ireland v Hungary (29/03/2022)

when two goals in the final nine minutes from Niall McGinn and Kyle Lafferty set Northern Ireland on their way to qualifying for Euro 2016. Many questions had been asked of the squad in the build-up to that campaign but coming from a goal down to win 2-1 with two late strikes helped transform the belief in the squad - and the country. “That started everything off in that campaign, so it is a game I will always look back fondly on, and I’m sure a lot of the lads would say the same,” added Ferguson. “Coming from behind late on gave us the confidence and the belief in ourselves. “You knew after that game there was something special building and that’s the way it proved because we ended up topping the group and qualifying for the Euros.” This month’s friendlies give international boss Ian Baraclough the chance to spend time in camp with his squad ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign beginning in June. With the season approaching the business end, an international break could be far from ideal , however Ferguson and his team-mates couldn’t wait to get together for the first time this year. He said: “These friendlies are going to be useful ahead of the Nations League games in the summer. “It is a good time to try certain things and look at different players in certain positions before the Nations League in June. “The lads have been really looking forward to it , even though our record in the Nations League hasn’t been great . “But we’ve been able to bring a lot of new players into the squad during Nations League games and if you look at the squad now there are young lads who have played massive games. “That experience also helps us all at club level and I think we’ve all progressed as players. “I’ve really enjoyed it under Ian (Baraclough) . The lads get on very well with him and the staff. We’re enjoying working with each other and really looking forward to what’s next for us as a squad.”

A PROUD AND SPECIAL MOMENT

The Rotherham United star marked the milestone with a sensational 30-yard wonder goal to beat Estonia last September - but getting the captain’s armband was a major highlight . Ferguson, 30, was handed the armband by skipper on the night Niall McGinn and the memories from Tallinn will live with the ex-Millwall and Newcastle United man for a lifetime. “It was honestly one of the best moments I’ve ever had in my life,” revealed Ferguson. “I didn’t know if I was going to play because of an injury. Thankfully I was able to get onto the pitch and get that 50th cap. It was a nice gesture from Niall to give me the armband when I came on and it was a real proud and special moment for me and my family. “It’s crazy to think I have that many caps. When I first came into the squad I never thought I’d reach a total like that . It’s been brilliant and everyone has always been unbelievable with me from the start of my international career.” At club level Ferguson has enjoyed his first season with League One outfit Rotherham, who are pushing for promotion to the Championship and have already booked a trip to Wembley to face Sutton United in the Papa John’s (EFL) Trophy final on 3 April . He said: “I’m really enjoying the season. When I first signed for Rotherham I spoke to the manager and he said I’d play plenty of games. “I’ve been able to do that and it’s exactly what I needed. We’ve been doing well this season, climbing to the top of the table and getting to Wembley as well . “Hopefully now we can finish the season strong in terms of promotion and winning the cup at Wembley. “I’ve been playing left wing-back all season. I’ve played the position before at previous clubs so I have really enjoyed it . I’ve really enjoyed my football this season.” Ferguson has fond memories of recent games against tonight’s opponents. Anyone who was in Budapest or watching at home will never forget the famous comeback in 2014

IRISHFA.COM

15