Northern Ireland v Norway Official Match Programme

O IRELAND O F F I C I A L M A T C H D A Y P R O G R A M M E P R I C E £ 4

Northern Ireland v Norway FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifying Group C Sunday 26 March 2017 National Football Stadium at Windsor Park Kick-Off: 19.45

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CONTENTS

TEAMS

2

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

3

MICHAEL O’NEILL

5

PATRICK NELSON 7 JAMIE WARD INTERVIEW 10 NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD 20 CRAIG CATHCART INTERVIEW 22 McGINN’S HALF-CENTURY 26 THE OPPONENTS - NORWAY 33 HERITAGE CENTRE OPENS 40 INTERNATIONAL RECORD 47 MASCOTS 52

Official Publication by Irish Football Association National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Donegall Avenue, Belfast, BT12 6LW Editor Nigel Tilson Head of Communications Neil Brittain Design and Print Minprint Ltd, 401 Castlereagh Road, Belfast, Co Down, BT5 6QP Tel: 028 9070 5205 www.minprint.co.uk

Irish Football Association President David Martin Chief Executive Patrick Nelson Advertising Irish Football Association Pictures Press Eye

Cover Craig Cathcart, who is back in the Northern Ireland squad this evening after struggling with injury in the early part of this season, tussles with Germany striker Mario Gotze during the Northern Ireland-Germany game at Euro 2016. Please note that the views in this programme do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish Football Association.

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NORTHERN IRELAND

NORWAY

Michael O’Neill Manager

Lars Lagerback Head Coach

Rune Jarstein Hertha Berlin (GER) Orjan Nyland FC Ingolstadt 04 (GER) Andre Hansen Rosenborg BK (NOR) Fredrik Semb Berge Odds BK (NOR) Omar Elabdellaoui Hull City (ENG) Vegar Eggen Hedenstad Rosenborg BK (NOR) Even Hovland 1FC Nurnberg (GER) Tore Reginiussen Rosenborg BK (NOR) Jorgen Skjelvik Rosenborg BK (NOR) Jonas Svensson AZ Alkmaar (NED) Gustav Valsvik Eintracht Braunschweig (GER) Sander Gard Bolin Berge KRC Genk (BEL) Jo Inge Berget Malmo FF (SWE) Veton Berisha SpVgg Greuther Furth (GER) Mats Moller Daehli FC St Pauli (GER) Mohamed Amine Elyounoussi FC Basel (SUI) Stefan Johansen Fulham (ENG) Anders Agnes Konradsen Rosenborg BK (NOR) Havard Nordtveit West Ham United (ENG) Valentin Adama Diomande Hull City (ENG) Tarik Elyounoussi Olympiacos (GRE) Joshua King Bournemouth (ENG) Alexander Toft Soderlund Saint-Etienne (FRA)

Roy Carroll Linfield Michael McGovern Norwich City Alan Mannus St Johnstone Aaron Hughes Heart of Midlothian

Gareth McAuley West Bromwich Albion Jonathan Evans West Bromwich Albion Chris Brunt West Bromwich Albion Craig Cathcart Watford Conor McLaughlin Fleetwood Town Lee Hodson Rangers Ryan McLaughlin Oldham Athletic Tom Flanagan Burton Albion Daniel Lafferty Sheffield United Steven Davis Southampton Niall McGinn Aberdeen Oliver Norwood Brighton and Hove Albion Stuart Dallas Leeds United Paul Paton St Johnstone Matthew Lund Rochdale Kyle Lafferty Norwich City Josh Magennis Charlton Athletic Conor Washington Queens Park Rangers Liam Boyce Ross County Corry Evans Blackburn Rovers Jamie Ward Nottingham Forest

Green and White

Red and White

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee

Huseyin Gocek Turkey Mustafa Emre Eyisoy Turkey

Assistant Referee 1 Assistant Referee 2 Fourth Official Referee Assessor Commissioner

Kemal Yilmaz Turkey Mete Kalkavan Turkey Victor Mintoff Malta

Virgar Hvidbro Faroe Islands

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PRESIDENT’S

WELCOME

On behalf of the Irish Football Association I am pleased to welcome the officials, players and supporters of Norway to our National Football Stadium in Belfast for this evening's FIFA World Cup 2018 Group C qualifying game.

The game will bring both countries to the midway point in the qualification group as the contest for second place gathers momentum following the winter break from internationals. Our last competitive game, a four-goal defeat of Azerbaijan, moved us up to second place in the group and there is a great opportunity to consolidate that position tonight. It is a really big game for both countries and a win for Northern Ireland will keep confidence high as the team travel to Azerbaijan for the next qualifying fixture on June 10. Norway lie four points behind Northern Ireland so they will hope to get much closer to second with a win. There have been seven previous meetings between our countries, including five friendlies in Belfast all won by Norway, the last of which was in 2012. The other two games were in the 1976 UEFA European Championship qualification series which resulted in Norway winning 2-1 in Oslo and Northern Ireland claiming the points with a 3-0 win in Belfast. It is a special occasion for Aaron Hughes this evening as prior to the game the Association marks his 100th international cap for Northern Ireland, achieved against Slovakia in Trnava on 4 June, 2016. His first appearance came way back in 1998, in a home fixture, also against Slovakia.

Aaron, currently on 104 caps, has been a magnificent servant to the Northern Ireland national team over 19 years and a great role model for any young person making their way in the professional game. His stats are amazing in that he has started 99 of his 104 international games to date and not only was he never sent off while playing for Northern Ireland, he has never received a red card during his entire career, a feat shared with Germany's Philip Lahm and just a few others. Well done to our first outfield centurion. The atmosphere in the National Stadium has been magnificent in the games so far and we look forward to more of the same support again tonight. I hope that you all enjoy another exciting game and have a safe journey home. Finally, I would like to express sympathy to the family of Derry City captain Ryan McBride, who passed away suddenly at the weekend. Our thoughts are with Ryan’s family and with Derry City Football Club, its supporters and staff at this sad time. David J Martin President Irish Football Association

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There will be a minute’s applause prior to kick-off this evening as a mark of respect for Derry City captain Ryan McBride, who passed away suddenly last weekend. 

“He was strong, physical and hugely committed. His leadership qualities were evident even at such a young age and it was no surprise to me that he became such an inspirational player for his hometown club.” O’Neill added: “I was deeply saddened when I heard the news that Ryan had died. I would like to send my sincere condolences to his family and friends as well as to the management, players and staff of Derry City Football Club.”

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has paid tribute to McBride, who was laid to rest in his home city on Thursday. O’Neill was Shamrock Rovers manager when he watched the 27-year-old defender, who lived close to Derry City’s Brandywell Stadium, make his debut for the Candystripes in 2011. “When I first saw him play I remember thinking ‘what a fantastic young defender’,” said the Northern Ireland boss.

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MANAGER’S VIEW

Welcome back to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park and the renewal of World Cup qualifying action.

I can hardly believe that it was nearly four and a half months ago that we were last here earning a magnificent three points against Azerbaijan. I know that it is a cliché but every one of our remaining matches is vital as we scrap to challenge Germany at the top of the group and particularly for us try to secure that coveted play-off spot. I don’t like to repeat myself but tonight’s opponents will provide a stiff challenge. The appointment of Lars Lagerback, with his fine international pedigree and experience, places Norway very much on the front foot, and we will have to be very watchful to ensure that we can maintain our 100% home record in this group. Norway have not had the best of starts to their qualification campaign but with six matches left to play everything is possible and none of the chasing four teams can be ruled out of the race. I can assure you all that my team and I will be striving to maintain our good home form and to deliver another three points before our difficult journey to Azerbaijan in June. Chris Brunt was magnificent against Azerbaijan at home, despite his bang on the head, and I

am delighted for Chris as injury robbed him of participating in our French adventure last summer. To see him back at his best competing for qualification for Russia is a reminder of how hard work and determination to do well is a major driving force within players and is a wonderful example to the younger players. I know that this match is a sell-out with the remaining tickets being snapped up online within 15 minutes of going on sale. The immense and passionate support of everyone in Northern Ireland is truly humbling for myself and the players but inspires us to keep providing the exciting moments and we will certainly be doing our best to do that tonight. Your vocal support is important as we progress through this group and I know I can rely on you all to help cheer us over the line. Thanks for your continued support. Michael O’Neill Northern Ireland Manager

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GOOD EVENING

Welcome to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park this evening for the first senior international game in what we all hope will be a busy and successful 2017.

Norway are here for the first time in just over five years, having provided friendly opposition for Michael's first game as manager in February 2012. Our home form so far in the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifiers has been excellent and we sit in second place in the group on merit with tonight being a crucial fixture on our journey. As always Michael will have prepared his squad well and we look to you the supporters to provide that special GAWA atmosphere from yet another full house here at the stadium. What many people will notice tonight is that the new Olympia Leisure Centre is now open. This has been built on the back of the West Stand and the old centre has now been demolished. This means that the last phase of the entire development is well under way which will eventually deliver a new boulevard from Boucher Road up to our stadium - a fitting entrance for an iconic stadium! Also in terms of recent openings I am pleased to note that our Education and Heritage Centre was opened by Michael and the legendary Pat Jennings earlier this month. You will be able to read more about the centre elsewhere in this programme but for me it is a 'must visit' for all Northern Ireland fans. You can see the British Championship trophy we won in 1984, take a penalty against Pat Jennings, tackle

David Healy, sit in Michael's seat in the press conference room - a stadium tour is included in the entry ticket to the centre - and much more. Fans will also notice this evening that a new shop has opened in the stadium. Our retail partners JD Sports have opened a Northern Ireland Supporters Store in the East Stand. It’s my pleasure to welcome JD to the stadium. Finally, I would like to mention that it is now only 136 days until we kick off the UEFA WU19 finals here at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. Alfie Wylie's squad will be opening the tournament against one of the top teams in Europe on that day and I know that he would like everyone who is here tonight to come along and support our team for the opening game – and indeed throughout the tournament, which runs from August 8-20 in four stadiums across Northern Ireland. Playing at the highest level of European football will be a fantastic experience for our U19 Women’s squad and if we can back them in numbers it will give them a great boost. Tickets for the entire tournament were launched earlier this month and are now on sale via Ticketmaster. Enjoy the game tonight.

Patrick Nelson Chief Executive Irish Football Association

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SPONSOR’S WELCOME

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE IFA

As proud sponsors of the Northern Ireland team, Vauxhall are delighted to be backing the squad and the Green and White Army as the World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in 2017.

Tonight’s match at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park sees Michael O’Neill’s side face a tough test against Norway who have a new manager in Lars Lagerback, the Swedish coach who enjoyed success with Iceland last summer. The atmosphere throughout the last qualifying campaign was incredible and we know that the support given to the team in France last summer will carry on during 2017. The achievements of last year were fantastic and Vauxhall will be there every step along the way as the players do their best to reach the World Cup finals in Russia.

We know that the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park crowd can make the difference and we have no doubt that you will show your great support to Michael O’Neill’s side again tonight. #GetIN. Join us on Twitter @VauxhallNI for matchday conversation. To find out more about our Vauxhall #GetIN campaign, competitions and exclusive players content, visit vauxhallfootball.co.uk.

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THE BATTLE FOR SECOND PLACE IS REALLY HOTTING UP

Nottingham Forest winger Jamie Ward is determined Northern Ireland will be sitting pretty come the midway point of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The equation facing Michael O'Neill's men this evening is a positive one as they bid to build on a return of seven points from their opening four pool games. A win over Norway would cement our grip on the runners-up spot and open up a seven-point gap on the Norwegians who currently lie second

bottom of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifying Group C. “If we win we'll establish a nice comfortable gap between ourselves and Norway,” said Ward. “It won't be easy and we expect a tough game, but it's a big incentive. That's our aim.”

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“With a bit of luck it might come down to ourselves and the Czech Republic. The Czechs still have to come to Belfast in September so it could be a very exciting run-in. “If we perform the way we have been doing during the last two and a half years I firmly believe we have a chance to get to the play-offs at least. “It was a fantastic experience playing at the Euros in France and there's a determination in the squad to reach another major tournament.” While Northern Ireland are unbeaten in their last seven qualifiers at home, Ward is taking nothing for granted against a Norway side seeking a revival under new boss Lars Lagerback. The wily Swede, who led Iceland to the last eight of Euro 2016, was appointed at the start of last

With Azerbaijan facing Germany and the Czech Republic travelling to San Marino today, a clearer picture is likely to emerge heading into the second half of the campaign. And while the Germans are nailed-on favourites to win the pool, Ward is confident Northern Ireland can secure second place and seal a potential play-off route to Russia. He said: “You have to expect everyone in the group is going to lose to Germany so it's about taking points off those teams you're going to be in a battle with for second. “At the moment it looks like it's going to be us, the Czech Republic and Norway fighting for that runners-up spot so it's important we pick up points against those teams.

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JAMIE WARD

Position Midfielder / Striker Date Of Birth 12.05.1986 Place Of Birth Birmingham

MIDFIELD / STRIKER

Height 165cm Weight 59kg

CLUB RECORD

12

SQUAD NO

CLUBS Aston Villa

1 9

Stockport County (loan)

month as a replacement for Per-Mathias Hogmo who paid the price for a dismal start to the World Cup qualifying campaign. “We know they're not a bad team,” insisted Ward. “They've also just appointed a new manager so there'll be a reaction to that. “Our game plan will be to keep them quiet and focus on what we do best. “We have a group of players who will run through brick walls for each other which is half the battle. We also know when the fans get behind us it makes it really tough for visiting teams.” Ward, who missed November's thumping 4-0 win over Azerbaijan in Belfast with a fractured wrist, believes O'Neill's men can be satisfied with their seven point return from the opening four games. “I don't think we can complain,” he said. “We did lose 2-0 in Germany, although I think everyone in the football world expected that result. “I do think we got a great point away to the Czech Republic and we've also picked up two good home wins over San Marino and Azerbaijan." Words: Darren Fullerton, Daily Mirror

Torquay United

25 67 63 13

Chesterfield

Sheffield United

Derby County (loan)

Derby County

125

Nottingham Forest Burton Albion (loan)

36 18

INTERNATIONAL RECORD

19

SQUAD NO

Caps Goals

29

3

Debut 10.08.2011 v Faroe Islands (H) Won 4-0

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NORTHERN IRELAND 0 CROATIA 3 Mandzukic (9), Cop (35), Kramaric (67)

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY 15.11.2016

National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast Attendance 17,000 Referee Mark Clattenburg

STATS

POSSESSION

49

51

SHOTS

9

8

SHOTS ON TARGET

2

4

CORNERS

5

5

FOULS

12

6

TEAMS

1 Mannus 6 Hodson 4 McAuley 5 Evans 11 Brunt 16 Norwood 21 Magennis 20 Lund 17 McNair 7 McGinn 14 Boyce 8 Davis 9 Grigg 10 Lafferty 12 Carroll 13 Evans 15 McGivern 18 Duffy 19 Paton 22 Flanagan Substitutes 2 McLaughlin

12 Kalinic 13 Jedvaj

6 Mitrovic

21 Vida

3 Leovac 20 Bradaric 19 Badelj 15 Rog 9 Kramaric 14 Cop 17 Mandzukic Substitutes 1 Vargic 2 Vrsaljko 11 Brozovic 18 Coric 22 Pivaric

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NORTHERN IRELAND 0 CROATIA 3

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NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD

ROY CARROLL GOALKEEPER

MICHAEL McGOVERN GOALKEEPER

ALAN MANNUS GOALKEEPER

AARON HUGHES DEFENDER

Club

Club

Club

Club

Linfield

Norwich City

St Johnstone

Heart of Midlothian

Age 39

Caps 44

Goals 0

Age 32

Caps 19

Goals 0

Age 34

Caps 9

Goals 0

Age 37

Caps 104

Goals 1

JONNY EVANS DEFENDER

CHRIS BRUNT DEFENDER

GARETH McAULEY DEFENDER

CRAIG CATHCART DEFENDER

Club

Club

Club

Club

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion

Watford

Age 37

Caps 70

Goals 9

Age 32

Caps 56

Goals 2

Age 28

Caps 32

Goals 2

Age 29

Caps 58

Goals 1

CONOR McLAUGHLIN DEFENDER

LEE HODSON DEFENDER

RYAN McLAUGHLIN DEFENDER

TOM FLANAGAN DEFENDER

Club

Club

Club

Club

Fleetwood Town

Glasgow Rangers

Oldham Athletic

Burton Albion

Age 25

Caps 23

Goals 1

Age 25

Caps 19

Goals 0

Age 22

Caps 2

Goals 0

Age 25

Caps 0

Goals 0

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DANIEL LAFFERTY DEFENDER

STEVEN DAVIS MIDFIELDER

OLIVER NORWOOD MIDFIELDER

NIALL McGINN MIDFIELDER

Club

Club

Club

Club

Sheffield United

Southampton

Aberdeen

Brighton & Hove Albion

Age 27

Caps 13

Goals 0

Age 32

Caps 92

Goals 9

Age 29

Caps 50

Goals 3

Age 25

Caps 43

Goals 0

PAUL PATON MIDFIELDER

CORRY EVANS MIDFIELDER

JAMIE WARD MIDFIELDER

STUART DALLAS MIDFIELDER

Club

Club

Club

Club

Blackburn Rovers

Nottingham Forest

Leeds United

St Johnstone

Age 26

Caps 39

Goals 1

Age 30

Caps 29

Goals 3

Age 25

Caps 19

Goals 1

Age 29

Caps 3

Goals 0

MATTHEW LUND MIDFIELDER

KYLE LAFFERTY FORWARD

JOSH MAGENNIS FORWARD

CONOR WASHINGTON FORWARD

LIAM BOYCE FORWARD

Club

Club

Club

QPR Age 24 Club

Club

Rochdale

Norwich City

Charlton Athletic

Ross County

Caps 9

Goals 2

Age 25

Caps 8

Goals 0

Age 26

Caps 1

Goals 0

Age 29

Caps 59

Goals 20

Age 26

Caps 27

Goals 1

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GETTING BACK IN THE OF THINGS

Craig Cathcart is hoping to make up for lost time tonight.

The Watford defender has yet to kick a ball in the World Cup qualifying campaign due to a groin/hernia injury but is now fit and raring to go. “It was frustrating not being with the team and being around the squad but I always like to watch games if I’m injured to see how the lads are getting on,” said the former Manchester United ace.

“Watching the first few games I thought we were brilliant. We put ourselves in a fantastic position at the start of the campaign. “We’ve a big game against Norway now, one of the teams who will be fighting with us for second place. “It’s really good to be back; I’ve been looking forward to this for months.”

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WING

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looking forward to playing there.” Northern Ireland go into tonight’s crucial Group C clash sitting in second place on seven points. Norway, who will have experienced former Iceland and Sweden boss Lars Lagerback in charge for the first time, are off the pace in fifth, on three points, but Cathcart knows they will be a tough nut to crack. “We want to open up a bit of a gap between ourselves and Norway. We’re under no illusions; we know how tough it’s going to be but we’re at home and we’ll have the fans behind us,” he said. “Our home record in the last few years has been brilliant and we’re confident we can give a good performance and pick up three points. “There are more expectations on us in this campaign, and rightly so, but the lads have been able to cope with that. “We won’t change how we play, we won’t worry about things and the lads have carried on where they left off from the last campaign, which is fantastic. “It’s a good sign and it’s a good period for Northern Ireland football. “We want to continue that for as long as we can and at the start of this campaign we’ve shown we can do that. “Hopefully we are able to carry that on between now and the end of the campaign to achieve something again. It would be a great achievement to get to a World Cup finals.” Words: Mark McIntosh, The Sun

He admitted it has been a frustrating season for him to date. The defender said: “I got the injury at the start and it was difficult to get a diagnosis of what was wrong. “It was my groin area, and there are a lot of things going on there because it’s where everything crosses over in the body. “Once I had the surgery done I got back in the swing of things but I haven’t been 100% until now. “It’s really only been the last few weeks that I’ve started to feel good again. I picked up a couple of niggling injuries after coming back so the season has been a bit stop-start. “I was in the team, then I picked something up and was out of the team. “I’m hoping now I’ve put all that behind me and spending time with the national squad will hopefully help and I will stay fit for the rest of the season.” Cathcart, who has become an integral part of Michael O’Neill’s side in the past 18 months, is yet to play at the fully redeveloped National Football Stadium at Windsor Park as his last home appearance came before Euro 2016. He pointed out: “My last appearance at Windsor was one of the friendlies before the Euros.  “I was saying to a few of the lads when we met up that it wasn’t finished when I was last there - and there was still a stand missing. “I’m really looking forward to seeing it now that it’s completed. “It’s great that the game is sold out because when we have those fans behind us it’s incredible. I’m really

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Position Centre Back / Left Back Date Of Birth 06.02.1989 Place Of Birth CRAIG CATHCART

DEFENDER

Belfast Height 188cm Weight 73kg

CLUB RECORD

15

SQUAD NO

CLUBS Manchester United Royal Antwerp (Loan) Plymouth Argyle (Loan)

0

13 31 12

Watford (Loan)

Blackpool

112

Watford

74

INTERNATIONAL RECORD

20

SQUAD NO

Caps Goals

32

2

Debut 03.09.2010 v Slovenia (A) Won 1-0

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DID YOU KNOW?

Niall McGinn won his 50th cap for Northern Ireland in the friendly against Croatia last November. Here we look back at some of the highlights among Niall’s half-century of appearances in a green shirt…

Thirty-two of Niall’s 50 caps have been won as an Aberdeen player, 13 were won during his time with Celtic, four while on a season-long loan spell at Brentford and one - on his debut - with Derry City. When Nigel Worthington gave Niall his debut in a friendly against Hungary at Windsor Park on November 19, 2008 he became the first Derry City player to win a senior international cap since Liam Coyle who made his one and only appearance for Northern Ireland versus Chile on May 26, 1989. To date Niall has played a total of 2,457 minutes for the senior international side; 804 of those minutes have come in friendly matches, 782 in World Cup qualifiers, 702 in European Championship games and 169 in the Carling Nations Cup. The Donaghmore man has only played the full 90 minutes in six of his 50 appearances. He has started a full international on 27 occasions and been used as a substitute on 23 occasions (scoring

twice!). He has also been an unused substitute no fewer than 12 times. All three of Niall’s international goals have been scored in competitive matches away from Windsor Park. His first goal for his country was in October 2012 in a 1-1 draw with Portugal in Porto the night Cristiano Ronaldo won his 100th cap. His second arrived on September 7, 2014 in the now famous 2-1 victory over Hungary in Budapest. Of course his last came in that never to be forgotten 2-0 Euro 2016 Finals success over the Ukraine in Lyon last June. Niall, along with Alan Mannus, Gareth McAuley, Luke McCullough and Stuart Dallas, was one of five players in the Northern Ireland Euro 2016 squad to have played Irish League football before embarking on a career in the professional game. He made a total of 64 appearances for Dungannon Swifts between 2005 and 2008, scoring four goals for the Tyrone outfit.

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As well as scoring goals Niall has weighed in with six assists during his eight-year international career. His first arrived in August 2011 when he set up skipper Steven Davis to score Northern Ireland’s second goal in a 4-0 victory over the Faroe Islands at Windsor Park. Perhaps not surprisingly three of his assists have led to goals for striker Kyle Lafferty. They were delivered during the successful qualification campaign for Euro 2016. Niall is the 36th player to have reached the half- century milestone for Northern Ireland. If he plays against Norway this evening he will join the likes of Sammy Nelson, Chris Nicholl and Gerry Taggart on 51 caps.

During his 50 full internationals the Tyrone man has been on the winning side on 12 occasions. He has tasted defeat in a green shirt 24 times, while the remaining 14 games have ended in draws. Although he missed out on youth international honours for Northern Ireland Niall did play one game at ‘B’ level - against Scotland in May 1989 - which ended in a 3-0 defeat. Current international team-mates Oliver Norwood, Shane Ferguson and Corry Evans were also in the side that evening. Words: Marshall Gillespie

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DO YOU WANT TO PLAY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND?

• Registration period 20 th March to 21 st April. • Age groups: For girls and boys 10/11/12/13 & 14. • Trials over five consecutive weeks, every weekend in from the 6 th May to the 3 rd of June. • Round 1 Saturday 6 th May – Derry/Londonderry,

Sunday 7 th May – Dungannon, Saturday 13 th May – Belfast, Sunday 14 th May – Newry.

• Round 2 Saturday 20 th & Sunday 21 st May Belfast. • Residential Sunday 28 th May to Monday 29 th May. • Final Match v Club NI Select, Saturday 3 rd June at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.

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Don’t shout at me. I accept I am just an old traditionalist. Ancient and craggy, set in my ways and unwilling to consider change. SOME TRADITIONS ARE WORTH KEEPING

Gareth McAuley in the thick of the action during the friendly international against Norway in Belfast in February 2012.

There is nothing wrong with liking things to be as they have been. There is comfort in the certainty that such an approach brings. We are not blindsided by innovation and unsure as to what to do. In footballing terms I like referees to wear black (the chants don’t really work otherwise!), players should be made to wear black boots (none of this silly pink or pastel shades), the FA Cup Final should take place on a Saturday afternoon at three o’clock (preferably preceded by a Celebrity Cup Final It’s A Knockout) and Germany should always win the

penalty shoot-outs (what sort of a crazy universe would it be if they didn’t?). However, like all football traditionalists, there are some traditions that I would really like to see the back of. Our spanking brand new National Football Stadium has managed to put an end to the rusting barbed wire and weeds in the terraces that welcomed visitors to the old Windsor Park in its later years. That was a tradition we are delighted to have placed in the annals of history.

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Steven Davis and Norway legend John Arne Riise tussle for possession back in 2012. Goals from Havard Nordtveit, Tarik Elyounoussi and Espen Ruud ensured Michael O'Neill's first match as Northern Ireland boss ended in defeat.

On the other hand one tradition which we would all like to be maintained is that Northern Ireland have not lost a competitive home match since Cristiano Ronaldo plundered a second half hat-trick against us back in September 2013. There is no doubt that is a tradition worth keeping. I suppose the lesson is that if it suits us we like to see tradition maintained, but if it doesn’t we are all for change and innovation. As one famous coach memorably said: “Let’s win the match first, then we can discuss whether or not we played well.” Let’s grab the points tonight and then we can debate whether we are maintaining the traditions of the Northern Ireland team and the Irish FA or merely starting new ones. Mind you, there must be some way to ensure that all the players wear black boots… Words: William Campbell

The tradition that has built up since 1986 of Northern Ireland not qualifying for the World Cup Finals tournament is another one we all would like to see ended - and as soon as possible please! It’s time the Spanish lessons taken for the trip to Guadalajara in 1986 are superseded by the Russian ones for the impending visit to Moscow. Another one we trust will bite the dust tonight is that Northern Ireland have not defeated Norway in Belfast since 1975. We have had five goes at it, including that memorable night in 2004 when, in Lawrie Sanchez’s first match in charge, David Healy famously scored the goal that rebooted our goalscoring at international level, albeit in the euphoria of that goal it is often overlooked that the Norwegians had scored four! In 1990, 96, 2001, 2004 and more recently in 2012 the Norwegians have come and left with the spoils so it is high time that that particular little tradition was ended.

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Nominate Your Football Mumof the Year

McDonald’s are celebrating the hard work mums put in every week tomake football possible for children across Northern Ireland.

You can nominate your Football Mumof the Year by visiting mcdonalds.co.uk/mumoftheyear

NORWAY THE COACH Lars Lagerback, the new national coach of Norway, signed a three-year contract with the Norges Fotball Forbund (Norwegian FA) at the start of last month.

And his opening salvo clearly showed he is keen to build on his considerable international pedigree – and quickly. He said: “This is a challenge which really appeals to me. I am excited to be able to work with the Norwegian national team and bring them back into contention for a place in the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.” It appears to be a difficult task as Norway have only garnered three points from their four qualifying games to date, resulting in the dismissal of previous coach Per-Mathias Högmo in November. Before this evening’s encounters Germany had 12 points from four games, while Northern Ireland are in second place with seven points. “I think that Norway are capable of achieving a runner-up spot and a play-off for the finals in Russia,” said Lagerback, who of course achieved the ‘miracle’ of taking Iceland to Euro 2016 in France and secured that famous victory over England in the Round of 16. “I will be talking to all the squad players and emphasising that when they play for Norway only a 100% attitude is acceptable. When I was offered the post I didn’t have to think twice: the job appealed to me and I am still feeling the vibes of our success with Iceland. I looked at the potential in the Norwegian squad - a mixture of younger and more experienced players - and was excited at the prospect of taking on the challenge. “For me the mental approach of the players is vital. I want players who give 100% both in training and matches - the right attitude is crucial. It’s also important that the players are regular first team players with their clubs. A well organised team with a well-defined style of play is the foundation for a winning team.”

“If we beat Northern Ireland I believe we can reach the finals in Russia. We will probably have to win five games to have a chance of a play-off place. Northern Ireland is the first step,” added the Swedish coach, who is looking to take Norway to their first play-off for a major tournament since 2000. When the 68-year-old took over Iceland in October 2011 he stuck to the 4-4-2 system that he had favoured for so many years with his native Sweden, whom he took to five consecutive Euro and World Cup finals tournaments between 2000 and 2008. His charges reached the Euro group stages in 2000, last eight in 2004 and the group stages in 2008. In the World Cup they went out in the Round of 16 in 2002 in Japan and in 2006 in Germany. He resigned after Sweden’s failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in 2010. Discipline and organisation were Lagerback’s main focus after taking the reins at Iceland and there were immediate results. Iceland almost qualified for WC 2014 in Brazil when they only lost out in a play-off against Croatia. There followed a first ever qualification for the finals of a major tournament and Iceland, rated rank outsiders, reached the quarter-finals in France. That strong emphasis on meticulous preparation allied with cohesion, team spirit, and discipline both in defence and attack, paid rich dividends last summer - peaking with the sensational 2-1 victory over England on 27 June in Nice. Lagerback is likely to favour his tried and tested 4-4-2 system with Norway this evening. Words: Roy Kitson

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NORWAY PLAYERS TOWATCH

Words: Roy Kitson

MISTER RELIABLE The 6ft 4ins keeper has been starring for Norway since 2011. He was replaced by Orjan Nyland in 11 qualifiers for Euro 2016 but has regained his place as his country’s number one and has played in all four WC 2018 qualifiers to date. Has been first choice for his club Hertha Berlin since the start of season 2015-16, and is an ever-present this term. Joined Hertha from Viking Stavanger in January 2014, making his first team debut two months later. A commanding presence in the area, he has lightning reactions and reads the game well. He has been rated as the top keeper in the Bundesliga this season - above Germany’s Manuel Neuer! He was voted Norwegian Player of the Year in 2016. Made his senior international debut in August 2007 when he played for 45 minutes against Argentina (2-1). Played in the friendly against Northern Ireland in Belfast in February 2012 when Norway won 3-0. RED-HOT STRIKER Norway will be looking this evening for the 6ft striker to repeat the goalscoring form he showed earlier this month when he fired home a hat-trick (31, 48 and 90 mins) against West Ham United in a 3-2 win - after missing a penalty after eight minutes. King signed for Bournemouth in May 2015 after leaving Blackburn Rovers. He ended the 2015-16 season as Bournemouth’s top scorer with seven goals. This season he has scored 11 times for the Cherries and is again their leading marksman. Signed for Manchester United as a 16-year-old but never played a league game for them. He went on loan to several clubs, including Preston, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hull City and Blackburn Rovers. Made his international debut as a sub against Iceland in September 2012. He played in six Euro 2016 qualifiers, scoring twice against Malta in a 3-0 away win in October 2014. Has played in the WC 2018 qualifiers against San Marino (away) and Czech Republic (away). CENTRAL LYNCHPIN The 6ft 3ins right-footed central defender moved to German 2nd Bundesliga club 1FC Nurnberg in June 2014 from FK Molde, where he won the Norwegian league championship (Tippeligaen) in 2012 and the cup in 2013. He is rumoured to be looking for a move away from the city of Nuremberg so will be out to make a good impression this evening. He has played 64 league games for 1FC Nurnberg, scoring four times. Hovland played at all youth levels for Norway and made his debut for the full national team in January 2012 in a 1-1 draw against Denmark. He has been an ever present in the WC 2018 qualifiers, playing the full 90 minutes in each game. He played in seven Euro 2016 qualifiers.

RUNE JARSTEIN GOALKEEPER

Club Hertha Berlin

Age 32

Caps 44

Goals 0

JOSHUA KING FORWARD

Club Bournemouth

Age 24

Caps 27

Goals 7

EVEN HOVLAND DEFENDER Club 1FC Nurnberg

Age 28

Caps 22

Goals 0

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LIVEWIRE ATTACKER The 5ft 11ins striker joined Hull City in the summer of 2015 from Stabaek where he notched 17 goals in 21 matches. Born in Oslo, his parents are from the Ivory Coast. His talent was spotted early and he made his senior debut for Lyn Oslo aged 18. Moved to Stromsgodset in 2012, playing in a league winning team in 2013. Then had a season with Dinamo Minsk in Belarus where he refined his goalscoring skills, returning to Norway with Stabaek and also winning his first international cap when he came on as a late sub for Joshua King against Azerbaijan in a Euro 2016 qualifier in June 2015 (0-0) in Oslo - his only appearance in the Euro 2016 qualifiers. Following Hull’s promotion he made his Premier League debut in August 2016 as a 77th minute sub, scoring a superbly executed overhead kick in a 2–1 defeat of reigning champions Leicester City. He scored his first international goal against San Marino back in October - in a 4-1 victory in a WC 2018 qualifier. Has played in all four of his country’s WC 2018 qualifiers to date, twice coming on as a sub. ENGINE ROOM STALWART The 6ft 3ins teak-tough defensive midfielder joined West Ham last summer from Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach, with whom he had spent the previous five and a half years, playing mostly as the central player in a three-man defence. At the age of 16 he was playing for FK Haugesund in the second level of Norwegian football. In 2007 he moved to Arsenal for £1.5m, becoming captain of the reserve team. Had loan spells with Salamanca (Spain), Lillestrom (NOR) and Nuremberg (GER) before signing for Monchengladbach in December 2010 for a fee of £800,000. Became a regular and captained the team on several occasions. Made his international debut in June 2011 in a friendly against Lithuania, as a second half sub, and won his third cap in the 3-0 friendly win against Northern Ireland in Belfast in February 2012. He scored the first goal on 44 minutes. Played in seven Euro 2016 qualifiers, scoring against Azerbaijan away. Played in one game of the WC 2018 qualifiers in September when Norway lost 3-0 at home to Germany, otherwise he has been on the bench. Has made 12 first team appearances for West Ham this season. NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Talented teenager Sander Berge is strongly tipped to make his senior debut for Norway this evening. The 6ft 3ins midfielder signed for top Belgian club KRC Genk from Valerengen last winter and has been a regular fixture in the first team since then, in both the Belgian Juliper League as well as the Europa League. Strong in the air, and equally proficient with either foot, his passes are inch perfect. Plays a vital central role in the midfield trio for Genk. He is intelligent and composed with a maturity beyond his years. “It would be impossible not to select him,” said Lars Lagerback at the Norway squad announcement for the game against Northern Ireland, dropping a very strong hint that Berge would start the WC qualifier in Belfast. He caught the eye of Lagerback when he played his first - and perhaps only - U21 game for Norway in September last year against England. Although Norway lost that game in Colchester 6-1, Berge impressed the new head coach with his all- round play.

ADAMA DIOMANDE FORWARD

Club Hull City

Age 26

Caps 10

Goals 1

HÅVARD NORDTVEIT MIDFIELDER

Age 26 Goals 2 Club West Ham United Caps 29

SANDER BERGE MIDFIELDER Club KRC Genk

Age 19

Caps 0

Goals 0

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NORWAY

FACTFILE

Not so long ago Norway were rated as one of the top teams in Europe, defeating some of the best teams in the world.

Ciljan Skjelbred announced his retirement from the national side. The 29-year-old midfielder, who plays for Hertha Berlin, stated that he no longer had the motivation necessary to play for the national team. Another player who will miss the match is 30-year- old defender Alexander Tettey of Norwich City, who also announced his retirement from international football - due to recurring ankle injuries. Meanwhile, Haitam Aleesami is suspended for this evening’s game and will be a loss. The 25-year-old left-sided defender, who can also operate on the left wing, joined Serie A side Palermo last August and has become a vital part of the team. He has played in all four WC 2018 qualifiers to date but picked up his second yellow card in his country’s last match against the Czechs. The last time Norway qualified for a major tournament was Euro 2000 in the Netherlands and Belgium. They defeated Spain, drew with Slovenia and lost to Yugoslavia – and went home early. Despite having top players such as John Carew, John Arne Riise, Brede Hangeland and Morten Gamst Pedersen they have failed to qualify for the big stage since. The closest they came was in the qualifiers for Euro 2008, but they were pipped by Turkey to the runner-up spot in their group. What a contrast to October 1993 when Egil Olsen’s side were rated second in the world behind Brazil. They had a rock-solid defence built around Rune Bratseth, Ronny Johnsen and Henning Berg, a midfield filled with combative and highly skilled ball players - Erik Mykland, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Stale Solbakken and Kjetil Rekdal - and a highly gifted attack featuring Jan Aage Fjortoft, Lars Bohinen

The Norwegians were qualifiers for World Cups and European Championships in the 1990s and they were even ranked as high as second in the FIFA ratings. Among their notable triumphs were victories over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup finals and Spain at Euro 2000. Now, however, Norway sit in fifth place in Qualifying Group C for World Cup 2018 and a defeat to Northern Ireland this evening would likely spell the end of any chance of reaching the finals in Russia next year. After a poor start in the qualifiers for Euro 2016 coach Per-Mathias Hogmo’s charges revived hopes of automatic qualification with wins over Bulgaria (a), Croatia (h) and Malta (h) but a 2-1 defeat to Italy in Rome meant that they had to face Hungary in the play-offs. And against the Magyars they went down 1-0 at home and lost 2-1 away. The Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, once a stronghold where visiting teams rarely escaped with a point, has lost its air of invincibility in recent years. For many Norwegian fans the depths were plumbed last September in a WC 2018 qualifier when world champions Germany outclassed their hosts on their way to a 3-0 victory. Defeat to Germany was followed by a 1-0 loss away to Azerbaijan the following month, although there was some joy last October thanks to a 4-1 home win against San Marino. Mind you, a 2-1 defeat away to the Czech Republic in November has left Norway second from bottom in Group C with three points out of a possible 12. That result was followed by the dismissal of coach Per-Mathias Hogmo, who had been at the helm since 2013. On 1 February this year Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, who masterminded Iceland’s success in Euro 2016, was appointed. However, the new man in charge was dealt a blow five weeks ago when Norway team captain Per

and Tore Andre Flo. Words: Roy Kitson

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LAGERBACK AND NORTHERN IRELAND!

Tonight’s match will be the third time Lars Lagerback has been in charge of a team to play against Northern Ireland. His first two matches were as coach of Sweden in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. In March 2007 Sweden lost 2-1 at Windsor Park and seven months later Northern Ireland drew 1-1 against the Swedes in Solna. MOST CAPPED PLAYERS John Arne Riise 2000-13 110 Monaco, Liverpool, Roma, Fulham Thorbjørn Svenssen 1947-62 104 Sandefjord Henning Berg 1992-2004 100 Lillestrøm, Blackburn, Manchester United, Rangers Erik Thorstvedt 1982-96 97 Viking, Eik, Borussia M'Gladbach, Vålerenga, Rosenborg, Valencia, Roma, Besiktas, Lyon, Aston Villa, Stoke, West Ham Brede Hangeland 2002-14 Viking, FC København, Fulham Oyvind Leonhardsen 1990-2003 86 Molde, Rosenborg, Wimbledon, Liverpool, Tottenham, Aston Villa 91 IFK Göteborg, Tottenham John Carew 1998-2011 91

Egil Olsen, Norway’s most famous coach, was in charge when the Norwegians last played in Belfast in 2012.

NORWAY’S FAMOUS COACH Egil Olsen is the most successful national coach in his country's footballing history. The 69-year-old former midfielder, who earned his nickname Drillo for his dribbling skills on the wing, had two spells in charge of Norway as well as winning 16 caps between 1964 and 1971. Olsen took Norway to two World Cup finals in his first spell in charge between 1990 and 1998 - to the USA in 1994 and France four years later where his charges achieved arguably their greatest ever result, defeating Brazil 2-1 in the opening round. After WC 1998 he returned to club football, coaching Valerenga (Oslo) until he joined Wimbledon in June 1999. But his spell with the Dons ended in tears when he was sacked two games before the end of the 1999-2000 season, and shortly after Wimbledon were relegated after 15 years in the top flight. Spells with Norway’s U19s, club side Fredrikstad and the Iraq national team followed before he became Norway’s national coach for a second time in January 2009. And Norway celebrated a famous victory in his return game: away to Germany in Dusseldorf (1-0) in February 2009. He almost took his charges to Euro 2012, just missing out on the play-offs. But that momentum was not continued when Norway finished fourth in their World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign. He was dismissed in September 2013 with Per- Mathias Hogmo taking his place.

TOP GOALSCORERS Jørgen Juve 45 caps 1928-1937 Lyn Einar Gundersen 33 caps 1917-1928 Odd, Tønsberg Turn Harald Hennum 43 caps 1949-1960 Skeid, Frigg John Carew 91 caps 1998-2011

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Vålerenga, Rosenborg, Valencia, Roma, Besiktas, Lyon, Aston Villa, Stoke, West Ham Tore Andre Flo 76 caps 1995-2004 23 Tromsø, Brann, Chelsea, Rangers, Sunderland, Siena Ole Gunnar Solskjær 67 caps 1995-2007 23 Molde, Manchester United

Courtesy of rsssf.no

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