Northern Ireland v San Marino Official Match Programme

Steven Davis: Building on success...

Inspirational skipper Steven Davis reckons a victory tonight can give Northern Ireland the platform for more success.

During the summer Davis captained his country EX )YVS XLIMV ƤVWX QENSV XSYVREQIRX MR years - when Michael O’Neill’s men reached the knockout stages after an unforgettable victory over Ukraine in Lyon. Qualifying for the World Cup in Russia in 2018 [MPP FI E HMJƤGYPX XEWO FYX 2SVXLIVR -VIPERH started their campaign reasonably well with a LEVH JSYKLX TSMRX MR 4VEKYI Ʉ “I think it was a positive to come away from the Czech Republic, who are still a good side even though they’ve had a few retirements, with a TSMRX ű WEMH XLI 7SYXLEQTXSR QMHƤIPH WXEV “We know if we are going to do anything then we need to take maximum points from the games against San Marino - both home and away, however it will not be easy. “The draw in Prague gives us a platform and we know we can build on this and hopefully we’ll get back doing what we do best in these next two games.

“It’s going to be a tough task for us but we’re coming into these games with expectation more than hoping and hopefully that’s a positive thing. “I don’t think there will be added pressure on us but there should be expectation. There’s a great feeling among the squad and the fans but there’s a realism as well. “We realise it’s going to be a tough group. Everybody expects Germany to win it. We believe we can put ourselves in a positive position to ƤKLX JSV WIGSRH TPEGI ű Davis was one of the standout players in all four games in France. The ex-Rangers captain led by example against Poland, Ukraine, Germany and Wales but insists the focus has to be on the future. He added: “The summer was incredible for the fans and the players and staff. “Those memories will live with us forever and I’m proud to have captained that squad.

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