Northern Ireland v Slovakia

being just 90 minutes or 120 minutes away from qualifying again, while playing at home, is something we are all excited about. It’s going to be tough but I believe we can do it.” Ian Baraclough’s men are, of course, just one win away from booking their place at the tournament, delayed for a year by the coronavirus pandemic, and the all-action defender/ midfielder can’t think of a better way to seal the deal than a game at the home of Northern Ireland football. He explained: “If you had a choice of one game at home or two legs you’d jump at the chance of one game at home and I’m pretty sure the rest of the squad would say that, too. “It’s a massive opportunity for us to get to back-to-back Euros and it shows how far we have come as a country and a team. Now that I’ve tasted a bit of it, I want more.” McNair said Euro 2016 in France was “a brilliant experience” and he was delighted at how everyone in the country got behind the team. “To have that atmosphere was amazing and it’s just a pity there will only be just over 1000 people inside the stadium to help us celebrate this time if we are successful,” he pointed out. “It would be great to have the stadium full but we know there will be thousands watching the match on the TV cheering us on and we know they are right behind us. We want to bring something really good to the people of the country. “It is a depressing time for everyone with everything that’s happening in the world and hopefully we can give people something to look forward to. “Hopefully we can get the win and by the time the finals are played fans will be able to support us inside stadiums.” Under Michael O’Neill the Northern Ireland squad largely thrived on the big occasion. And that trait continued in Sarajevo last month when Baraclough’s boys held their nerve to see off Bosnia and Herzegovina after a tense penalty shootout. “In the past we have always turned up for big games,” said McNair. “The Greece game was a night we’ll never forget and even the Switzerland away play-off, well, we were so unlucky not to win that. “We also showed what we are capable of in the Germany home game last year and the home and away games against the Dutch. But we know we have to take chances. We have a lot of experience of big games and we all believe we can win.” McNair has been enjoying a terrific start to the season with Middlesbrough and he believes he can make it a campaign to remember for both club and country. He added: “I’m really enjoying this season. We’re playing really well as a team and we haven’t lost many games. I’m playing centre back and I’m really enjoying it. “Neil Warnock (the Boro manager) doesn’t restrict me. Even if I end up on the wing we know there is someone who is going to fill in, and I’ve really been enjoying my football. “It’s a long old season in the Championship and with games being played constantly it’s hard to believe we are only a quarter of the way through the season. Hopefully it will be one to remember with Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland.”

Position Midfielder/Defender Date Of Birth 27.04.1995 Place Of Birth Ballyclare PADDY McNAIR

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER/

Height 183cm Weight 76kg

CLUB RECORD

17

SQUAD NO

CLUBS Manchester United Sunderland Middlesbrough

24 25 57

INTERNATIONAL RECORD 17 Debut SQUAD NO

Caps 39 Goals 4

25.03.2015 v Scotland (A) Lost 1-0

Northern Ireland U16 Northern Ireland U17 Northern Ireland U19 Northern Ireland U21

7 1 5 2

39

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