As that Elvis Presley
song states, it’s now or never, and for the Norn Iron being a long shoot in
Group C, their upcoming matches are
considered important if not crucial for
their aspirations for a World Cup spot.
So far seeded in
second place in their group with thirteen points and five behind first place Germany
these holding a sure pass to the next rounds, the aims of the Green and White
Army is looking to nab one of those second best spots.
With San Marino in
the books on September 1, the Boys from the North may have their hands full
with this foe as they state that there is no such thing than an easy one, as la
Serenissima can play the role of spoiler.
Especially by the boost,
they will be getting after playing at home in San Marino Stadium in Serravalle.
Still the outlook for
the Norn Iron with a few of its most important players on injury reserve , for manager
Michael O’ Neill his moves can be very focal with his squad in his upcoming
compromises.
So far for O’ Neill tackling
various issues with injured players and the Jonny Evans case transfer that
hopefully will not be a distraction for the current Baggies defender on the eve
of their upcoming San Marino compromise.
With players of the
likes of Watford’s Craig Cathcart with a knee problem, Liam Boyd- Burton-
Albion, followed by Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans West Brom both suffering a
tight issue and O’ Neill has Michael Smith from Hearts and Bailey Peacock-
Bailey Leeds United as his recent call ups.
As the memories of
France 2016 in the past EURO, showing off with an amazing performance and after
this competition was a first for them; their pass to the round of 16 after seeded
in a difficult group, their elimination came from Wales.
Still this group
showed off a lot of heart and spirit in that competition.
Now for manager O’
Neill aims to try to qualify his Green and White Army to the second round and
make a tough stand in the playoffs that decides what squad will be representing
Europe, his hopes are deposited in his group resilience.
He is aware of his
upcoming matches with San Marino away and returning home to play at Windsor against
the Czech Republic, these looking to bounce back and make a run to the top spots,
this match for sure will be a total headache for the Norn Iron.
As the Czechs
currently in third place trailing North Ireland with four points, these for
sure will like to make a tough outing and try their best to deliver a fatal
blow at the colossus of Belfast and be within a point.
As the Norn Iron
final matches in October, the outlook does not look easy with Germany and
Norway.
After back-to-back
presentations in the World Cup of 1982 in Spain and later in 1986 in Mexico,
North Ireland has not been able to attend any other, but in the mind of its
Boss Michael O’ Neill his persistence with his group can deliver notable results.
To conclude this is
the list that manager Michael O’ Neill has for his September matches.
Goalkeepers:
Michael McGovern (Norwich
City), Roy Carroll (Linfield), Alan Mannus (St. Johnstone)
Defenders:
Tom Flanagan (Burton-
Albion), Aaron Hughes (Hearts of Midlothian), Jonny Evans (West Brom Albion),
Chris Bunt (West Brom Albion), Craig Cathart (Watford), Connor McLaughlin
(Millwall), Lee Hodson (Rangers), Daniel Lafferty (Sheffield United), Adam
Thompson (Bury), Ryan McLaughlin (Oldham Athletic), Tom Flanagan (Burton
Albion)
Midfielders:
Steven Davis
(Southampton), Niall McGinn (Gwangju), Oliver Noorwood (Fulham), Corry Evans (Blackburn
Rovers), Shane Ferguson (Millwall), Stuart Dallas (Leeds United), Matthew Lund (Burton
Albion) Paul Latton (St. Johnstone)
Forwards:
Kyle Lafferty (Heart
of Midlothian), Josh Magennis (Charlton Athletic), Connor Washington (Queens
Park Rangers), Shay Cartan (Bradford City)
Post Contents and Property of Fern
Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © Belfast
Telegraph 2017
Photos Credit and Property of © Irish
Football Association 2017
No comments:
Post a Comment