'We need a winning mindset' O'Neill challenges players to convert dominance into results
Northern Ireland going all out for victory over Israel in tonight's friendly
Last updated 11th Sep 2018
Michael O’Neill is confident Northern Ireland will turn their dominant performances into results – starting tonight against Israel.
And he wants to see his players produce the same level of “intensity” as they did in the 2-1 Nations League defeat with Bosnia – but with an added winning mindset.
“We’d like to see the same level of performance – same intensity - same running power within the team,” he said.
“But obviously a victory – we’d like to get back into that mindset.”
Northern Ireland take on Israel later at the National Stadium at Windsor Park (kick-off 7.45)
“Certainly against teams that we would regard at the same level of European football as we are and it was very pleasing against a team of Bosina’s standards to play as we did and to have that level of control,” he said.
“But equally the next phase of that is turning that dominance into goals and results.”
Meanwhile, Jonny Evans is confident Northern Ireland can qualify for Euro 2020.
The Leicester centre-back says their dominant display against Bosnia has given him a lot of hope going forward.
“After every campaign there’s always that worry in the back of your mind – ‘can we go again?’”, he said.
“Michael has talked about this.
“We came close in the last campaign.
“The performance at the weekend was great – it gave everyone optimism. The young lads coming in pushing for new places in the team and there is no reason why we can’t (qualify).”
Evans says the future looks bright with the new talent breaking through into the senior team.
“I have been impressed by the lads coming into the squad,” he said.
“I think there is always that worry as players retire etc - can the new lads step up?
“But we seem to have good little group of lads coming through who have got huge potential.
“They’re all quick which is good – it adds that sort of excitement into the team – attacking players.
“Some of them have got moves to different clubs and they are all settling in at this stage. I think it is exciting for us.”
Striker Kyle Lafferty has been rested to make way for Will Grigg while Paddy McNair will get a start in midfield.
Ex-Crusaders midfielder, Gavin Whyte, now with League One side Oxford United, is also expected to make his debut.