Heroes of Norn Iron – Meet The Men of the Green and White Army
By Jonathan Traynor
As hundreds of Northern Ireland fans pack their bags and prepare to head to the Euro 2016 tournament in France we take a look at some of the key players who will don the jersey and prepare to take on Poland, Ukraine and Germany.
Michael O’Neill will announce his final 23-man squad at Titanic Belfast Saturday afternoon with the final friendly in Slovakia on June 4.
Manager – Michael O’Neill
An unlikely choice according to many commentators, O’Neill’s career as Northern Ireland manager got off to an inauspicious start with 3-0 and 6-0 defeats in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers, but his skills in guiding the team earned him another deal – and that paid off in style when we trounced Greece 3-1 at Windsor Park in October last year, putting Northern Ireland through to its first international tournament in 30 years.
He has moulded the team after his midfield and defensive roles for Northern Ireland. O’Neill may come across as congenial in press conferences but his man management skills are not in any doubt, and as a result the players adore him. He may well mix-up formations to confound the opponents in France. No-one expects us to get out of the group stages…except O’Neill.
Michael McGovern
Micheal O’Neill has a tough choice when it comes to which goalkeeper to bring along. The veterans Roy Carroll, Alan Mannus and Maik Taylor could be in for a shout, but Michael McGovern will be hoping that he dons the gloves.
The Hamilton Academical goalie also has a sister who plays in defence for the Northern Ireland’s Womens International Team. He may not have been a fixture in the Accies team this year, but still is a consistent NI performer.
Jonny Evans
A colossus in defence the former Manchester United player made his first appearance way back in September 2006 in the memorable 3-2 victory over Spain at Windsor Park.
Now with West Brom the 28-year-old shows his leadership qualities on the pitch. It all seems a long way from when Evans donned boots as a youngster for Greenisland FC.
Gareth McAuley
Having made the journey around several Irish league clubs the 36-year-old defender moved first to Lincoln, and eventually ended up a stalwart in the West Brom defence, where his 6ft 3 inch presence helped solidify WBA’s premiership position. And, he’s a dab hand at scoring from set pieces having knocked two goals in during the 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands.
Craig Cathcart
The Watford centre back has been on the Northern Ireland team through under-16 level to his call-up in May 2010. He netted his second international goal in March in the 1-1 draw with Wales. A product of the Manchester United academy Cathcart eventually moved on to Blackpool before signing with Watford, where this season he has been a rock that earned his team a second season in the premiership.
Aaron Hughes
With almost 100 caps to his name Hughes has seen the highs and lows with Northern Ireland, and even though he is out of contract after a spell in Oz with Melbourne City the defender’s experience will be crucial as excitement builds around the squad. He also is Mr Stability who in 455 Premier League appearances was never sent off.
Oliver Norwood
Although born in England Norwod wears his Northern Ireland heritage with pride. The Reading midfielder has been a fixture in the team since 2010, earning 29 caps to date. Although he can foray forward, McNeill will be hoping Norwood can play a holding role in the middle of the park, where his ball distribution can be vital to spring the forwards into space.
Paddy McNair
The native of Ballyclare, McNair has been in and out of the Manchester United first team as a centre half. He may have only made his international début in 2015 but has developed on the international stage. O’Neill has used McNair as a holding midfielder, fending off attacks before they get as far as the back line. Could this be his role in France?
Corry Evans
His brother Jonny may be better known amongst the part-time premiership fans, but Corry has been in the Northern Ireland team since 2009. The Blackburn Rovers player experienced the disappointment of the 2012 Euro and 2014 qualifiers like many of the squad, but has been amongst those instrumental in getting us to France.
Kyle Lafferty
Rambunctious and aggressive up front Lafferty will be upsetting defences in France with his no-nonsense style of attack. With 16 international goals to his name – making him the second highest scorer for the team – he is also probably one of the well travelled of the squad, having played in England, Scotland, Switzerland and Turkey. The 28-year-old Enniskillen born titan will be hoping to net again at the Euros.
Jamie Ward
Another native of England, Ward qualifies as a Northern Ireland player through his grandfather. He can play on the wing or up front, and has recorded 29 caps to date. He scored in the away win to Greece in the qualifiers, a result that set the tone for the team’s attitude throughout the last two years.