Sav to hit ground running
NORTHERN Ireland need to get their skates on and adopt a “winning mentality” if they’re to have any hope of putting the Euro 2020 skids under Germany and the Netherlands.
So says Middlesbrough’s George Saville who is urging Michael O’neill’s men to get off to a fast start in a daunting Group C that includes two of Europe’s powerhouse nations.
Putting right a dispiriting run of just two wins, two draws and five defeats in 2018 is also high on the agenda ahead of tomorrow’s pool opener against Estonia.
“Recent results weren’t good,” said Saville, who despite last year’s setbacks has been buoyed by some of Northern Ireland’s recent performances.
A new expansive style of play saw O’neill’s men boss November’s 0-0 friendly draw in Dublin, while they were unlucky to lose all four Nations League games to Austria and Bosnia.
“The Nations League was disappointing but the performances were really good in certain games, especially at home,” said Saville.
“But it’s not just about playing well. We need to start winning football matches and that starts against Estonia. You can play as well as you want, but ultimately we need points.
“The quality and performances have been there but getting that winning mentality is important now. As soon as we do that we can build up some momentum.
“You know what it’s like, once you lose one game you can lose five or six. But equally when you win one you can win five or six, so it’s about getting a winning mentality.”