The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
O’Neill takes positives after Irish impress in defeat
Once Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill had shaken off the bitter feeling of defeat, he was able to take plenty of encouragement from Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Northern Ireland were undone by two sloppy goals which both came against the run of play at Windsor Park – the second a horrible mix-up between Craig Cathcart and goalkeeper Bailey Peacock Farrell.
Northern Ireland enjoyed 67% possession and registered 26 total attempts on goal, but did not make one count until substitute Will Grigg – making his first appearance since November 2016 – struck in stoppage time.
Cathcart called it one of the most complete performances of his 37-cap Northern Ireland career, and O’Neill agreed there was plenty to be positive about ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Israel.
“To play with that intensity and dominance, with close to 70% possession in the game, 25 attempts on goal, 18 corners – it tells the story of the game,” O’Neill said.
“Where we have to be better is the final ball and maybe a little bit better with movement in the box and composure as well. Maybe it’s anxiety as well, but those are things we can work on.
“We’ll take a lot out of our performance and we’ll look to react on Tuesday night when we play Israel here.
“At the end of the day we’re a team still progressing and still going in the right direction.”
O’Neill will freshen up his side tomorrow but confirmed Gareth McAuley will not feature and instead begin training with Rangers after signing for the Glasgow club at the start of the week.
“Israel are a team very much like ourselves,” O’Neill said.
“They will harbour ambitions to go to a major championship.
“We will field a strong team and give game time to players who didn’t get the chance to start on Saturday.”