ONE-OFF TIE WILL SUIT US

STEVEN DAVIS is confident the ‘do or die’ nature of tonight’s

Euro shootout with Slovakia will inspire Northern Ireland to reach back-to-back Euro finals.

Davis was part of a team that paid the price for a cautious approach in a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Switzerland in a World Cup play-off three years ago.

A listless display and dodgy penalty decision in Belfast saw the Swiss eke out a narrow lead which they held onto in the following week’s return leg in Basel.

Northern Ireland were superb in the second game in Switzerland in 2017 but their gallant efforts to turn the tie around were in vain.

“That was a very sore one to take,” said Davis ahead of tonight’s one-off showdown at Windsor Park. “That World Cup play-off was a little bit different in that it was over two legs and in terms of how we approached the first one. This game being all or nothing on the night will hopefully suit us. We have to be energetic and aggressive in the right areas and play to our strengths.”

One change from 2017 is the introduction of VAR and Davis is thankful video technology means there will be no similar refereeing blunders tonight.

The Romanian official’s decision – pointing to the spot after the ball struck Corry Evans on the back (above) – still bewilders Davis three years later.

“It’s difficult looking back and not to go to a World Cup on the back of that decision was very difficult to take,” said the Rangers midfielder.

“VAR is going to be involved in this game so that’s a positive for us. We’re just really looking forward to kick-off now. We’re ready and hopefully we can get the job done.

“We’re respectful of Slovakia’s talent but we also believe we can cause them problems going the other way.

“In games of this magnitude it’s always about getting the balance right between attack and defence and our shape behind the ball.

“We also have to bring a calmness and focus to our game and manage it at different stages.”