Norwood staying in positive mood after
League may be a head melter when you try to work it out but at least the players can target League A and a chance to swim with the big boys. Unfortunately that’s a long shot now.
A Euro 2020 spot may not be a realistic prospect via the Nations League route but O’Neill will always learn more about MIDFIELDER Oliver Norwood could not remember Northern Ireland being so dominant against high-quality opposition.
That’s why, while disappointed with the 2-1 loss at home to Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday, the new Sheffield United ace was not downcast.
“I think it’s the most dominant we’ve been that I can remember, especially when you consider the quality of the opposition,” said Norwood.
“We’ve dominated games against the likes of San Marino and Azerbaijan but to do it against that level of opposition and come away with nothing is frustrating.
“There were a lot more positives that there were negatives.
“We started the game on the front foot and in the first minute, I have no idea how the referee hasn’t given a penalty when George Saville was brought down. It was a clear penalty. Then we had them pinned in but we just couldn’t punish them.
“We can take heart out of how we played though and look forward to the games coming up in the next round of games.”
Before trips to Bosnia and Austria next month in the Nations League, Northern Ireland host Israel in a friendly tomorrow night. “We go again on Tuesday night. Michael (O’Neill) will decide who plays in that game but for me, I want to play in as many games as possible,” says Norwood.
“Michael will make the call but sometimes the lads who come away and don’t always play deserve a chance.
“They put a lot of hard work in and it is a good opportunity to let them have a game and hopefully they were will be able to show what they can do on Tuesday.”
On his club career with the Blades, Norwood added: “It’s nice to be back playing every week again at Sheffield United. A lot of the way we play there goes through me and I feel I’m getting my confidence back now.
“I’m used to playing in that system and it’s very similar to how Michael wants us to play going forward.”
O’Neill’s men left Windsor Park frustrated and George Saville was among those cursing his luck the most. Middlesbrough’s new £8m man felt he should have been awarded a penalty in the opening minute after a trip from Ervin Zukanovic. Czech referee Pavel Kralovec ignored the