Northern Ireland v German: O'Neill wants attacking approach
Skipper Davis set to break caps record for outfield player
ALEX KEERY previews tonight's big match at the National Stadium at Windsor Park
Northern Ireland aim to protect their 100% record in European Qualifying as they host Germany at Windsor Park on Monday night.
The visitors come to Belfast on the back of a 4-2 home defeat by the Netherlands, and Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill believes it's the ideal time to face the 2014 World Cup winners.
"There are things I saw in the Dutch game, opportunities we could exploit. Germany are still a top side and it's a massive test for us. It's a good thing they're coming on the back of a defeat, this maybe isn't a game they'll relish. Teams at this level react to defeats and we have to be ready for that reaction," said O'Neill.
Germany are becoming familiar opponents, with the 2 nations having met 3 times in recent years. However, O'Neill believes the visitors aren't quite the force they once were.
"Are they more beatable? I suppose possibly, they are, but it doesn't mean the game's going to be any easier for us. They still have some exciting players, some players that can hurt you.
"You can't get a result against Germany without being good without the ball. But equally, we'll have to be good with the ball as well. Our aim is to have more possession, more attacks and more opportunities than we had in previous games," said O'Neill.
He added: "We're a much better team than we were in France Euro 2016. We're more athletic, we're younger, so I think we may pose a different challenge to Germany than what they expect."
Michael O'Neill also confirmed the squad is free from injury, and striker Liam Boyce is back in contention having missed the Luxembourg win.
Meanwhile, skipper Steven Davis is set to bag a new NI caps record for an outfield player.
The Rangers midfielder will take his tally to 113.
He says doing well for the team is a priority over personal appearances.
Tonight’s match kicks off at 7.45