Northern Ireland v Slovakia

“We know what’s at stake. We have a chance to qualify for another major tournament and it’s a massive incentive.” Six of Northern Ireland’s starting line-up in last month’s play-off semi-final penalty shootout win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo boast 50-plus caps apiece. Steven Davis has played a record 122 times for his country, while Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart, Josh Magennis and Corry Evans have amassed 259 caps between them. Add in McGinn, who has racked up 61 appearances since his debut in 2008, plus Leeds United’s Stuart Dallas on 49 and it’s clear to see that Ian Baraclough has a wealth of experience at his disposal. McGinn said: “I do think it’s important that we have a lot of players who have played in big games like this before. “It’s also good to know that there are other guys in the squad - the likes of Liam Boyce - who weren’t at Euro 2016 and are just as hungry to get to another tournament. “Liam didn’t make the cut for France but kept his head down, kept working hard and has shown he can really step up on the international stage. “Players like him will be just as keen to play at a major tournament, so all in all we definitely have the squad and experience to get the result we need.” McGinn, who fired home a vital equaliser against the Bosnians in Sarajevo five weeks ago, says new boss Baraclough is also determined to add a major tournament to his CV. The Englishman succeeded Michael O’Neill, who led Northern Ireland to the knockout stages of Euro 2016, as national team manager in the summer. “There is a hunger there, not only from the boys who were in France but also from the lads who have come into the squad in more recent times. That motivation also comes from the manager. He has said numerous times he wants to be a manager who takes Northern Ireland to a major tournament,” the experienced winger said. “I know Ian will be doing everything to achieve that and that goes for the players as well. It’s a huge opportunity and one we’re looking forward to.”

NIALL McGINN

Position Right Wing Date Of Birth 20.07.1987 Place Of Birth Donaghmore

RIGHT WING

Height 183cm Weight 75kg

CLUB RECORD

10

SQUAD NO

CLUBS Dungannon Swifts

42 31 28 37

Derry City

Celtic

Brentford (loan)

Aberdeen Gwangju Aberdeen

179

7

74

INTERNATIONAL RECORD

7

SQUAD NO

Debut 19.11.08 v Hungary (H) Lost 0-2 Northern Ireland U23 Northern Ireland B

Caps 61 Goals 5

2 1

19

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