Northern Ireland on the up and up as place among world elite beckons
History in the making again for O'Neill's side with Top 20 ranking on cards
Last updated 7th Sep 2017
Northern Ireland are about to notch up another history-making feat under Michael O’Neill.
After achieving an unprecedented five wins on the trot on the road to the World Cup finals in Russia, O’Neill’s side look like reaching their highest-ever ranking.
The new list is released next week and it is expected to show Northern Ireland have climbed to a best-ever 20th in the world.
Significantly, this means they could become one of the seeded teams in the World Cup play-offs –therefore avoiding major nations such as Portugal and Italy on route.
Northern Ireland have already secured second spot in Group C after beating the Czech Republic 2-0 at Windsor Park on Monday night.
Currently, they are well on course to, at the very least, picking up one of the eight play-off places.
Meanwhile, ex international Warren Feeney has been paying tribute to Northern Ireland’s achievements to date.
He branded the team spirit among the current group of players the “best” he has known.
“I thought Michael has got a bunch of players that want to play for him but first of all want to play for each other,” he said.
“When they play for Northern Ireland he’s got them working so hard and they gel together.
“It is like a club mentality. They are certainly doing well on the pitch and it shows.