O’neill: My players are among greats

N IRELAND

V CZECH REPUBLIC

Michael O’neill insists some of Northern Ireland’s current players should be considered among the country’s greatest, having given themselves a chance to reach back-to-back major tournaments.

A draw against the Czech Republic tonight will guarantee second place in Group C, and almost certainly a playoff berth to go to the World Cup next summer two years after making the Euro 2016 knock-out stages.

The Northern Irish have featured in three previous World Cup finals, in 1958, 1982 and 1986, but missed out on the Euros in 1984 on goal difference, so O’neill’s team would be the first to make successive tournaments should they secure their passage to Russia.

It is for that reason that their boss thinks the likes of captain Steven Davis and defenders Jonny Evans and Gareth Mcauley must be recognised alongside the best players Northern Ireland has produced, such as George Best, Pat Jennings and Danny Blanchflower.

“When you view players based on their international careers, you’ll find some in our squad will have international careers that will rank up with the best players that have played for Northern Ireland,” said O’neill.