Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WORLD CUP’S THE PADDY OF THEM ALL
goes down as a career highlight, Mcnair has Qatar in his sights ahead of tomorrow’s Group C showdown with Bulgaria in Belfast.
“It would be a dream come true,” said the versatile Middlesbrough defender.
“Growing up as a kid you watched the World Cup and it would be unbelievable to get there as a player.
“The Euros were unbelievable but the World
Cup would go one step further. I don’t think words could describe how good that would be.”
After losing their group opener to Italy in Parma last week, Northern Ireland know a home win against the Bulgarians is essential to keep pace with the pool leaders. The Italians – firm favourites to top the group and qualify automatically – and Switzerland have both got off to fliers, taking maximum points from their opening two games.
“A game at home to Bulgaria is definitely one that we need to win,” said Mcnair. “If we are going to do well in this group, we need a fast start and we need a win.”
While Bulgaria have lost both group games so far – to the Swiss and Italians – and won just one of their last 11 games, Northern Ireland are also pawing for results.
Sunday night’s 2-1 friendly defeat made it seven games without a win, while a penalty shootout win over Bosnia in the Euro play-offs is Ian Baraclough’s only win in 10 as manager.
“No team likes to go on a run without winning games,” said Mcnair (left yesterday with boss Ian Baraclough). “It’s not nice, especially with what we were used to over the previous four or five years but Wednesday is a great opportunity to put that right.
“Our second half performance in Italy also gives us confidence as a squad and if we can bring that into this it should stand us in good stead.”