We’re ready, says O’Neill
MICHAEL O’Neill insists Northern Ireland are all set for their first major international tournament since 1986 – referring to their preparation as “flawless”.
Today O’Neill’s side face Poland in Nice exactly 30 years to the day from their most recent fixture at a finals when Brazil defeated them 3-0 in Mexico.
And ahead of their first ever appearance at a European Championships, O’Neill is adamant the 23 men he has chosen are in perfect shape.
“The players are very well prepared,” O’Neill insisted.
“I don’t think there’s a need for a final message, I think they understand the significance of the game. The preparation we’ve done has been flawless.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt that a team has been as well prepared in the four years I’ve been in charge in terms of what we’ve managed to do with the squad, the work we’ve done week after week, and how the players have taken that on board.”
O’Neill also rejected any fears that striker Kyle Lafferty would miss out despite providing the nation with a scare when he hobbled out of training with a groin injury earlier in the week.
“We’ve no doubts whatsoever about Kyle’s fitness,” O’Neill said.
Lafferty has developed into his country’s attacking spearhead during O’Neill’s tenure and there is no doubt who owns that role in the Polish ranks.
Robert Lewandowski scored 13 goals to get his nation to France, and O’Neill ranks the Bayern Munich forward among the world’s best in his position.
However, he added: “We have done a lot of work on the Polish team as a whole. We know their strengths and weaknesses.”