Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Wary of Larsarus effect..
MICHAEL O’NEILL has warned his players to beware the dizzying effects of a mature Lager at Windsor Park this evening.
A victory over struggling Norway would strengthen Northern Ireland’s grip on second place in Group C at the midway point of the campaign.
But O’Neill is wary of the impact of new boss Lars Lagerback who took over the reins of the stumbling Scandinavians last month.
A highly motivated team combined with a hugely experienced manager, who led Iceland to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, is a potent cocktail.
“I think Lars Lagerback will be a positive appointment for them,” said O’Neill. “Norway also know three points are massive because without them the group will look very challenging.
“This game will be more of a challenge for us because you’ve such an experienced manager coming in who knows how to get success.
“He also knows how to do it when his resources aren’t as strong. It’s tricky to analyse because this is his first game at the helm.”
Lagerback, 68, arrives with an impressive CV having managed Iceland, his native Sweden and Nigeria.
He famously led Iceland to a 2-1 victory over
England in the last-16 of last summer’s Euro 2016 finals before bowing out to hosts France.
Can he have a similar impact with Norway? O’Neill’s not so sure.
“Iceland were phenomenal in France, but it’s not something you build in five days, which is what Lars has had with Norway,” he said.
“It’s something that takes a long time to build. I’m not sure Norway have the same type of players.”
He added: We’re trying to piece together what they may do and it’s very difficult, but we have to focus on ourselves.
“Our home form is good and the players know the significance of picking up three points.”