O'Neill claims timing crucial as NI take on New Zealand
With just 8 days to go until Northern Ireland face Azerbaijan, manager Michael O'Neill says tonight's friendly with New Zealand is an essential part of preparation.
The All Whites come to Belfast with one eye on the Confederations Cup, and are expected to provide a decent test. However, O'Neill admits it was more important to make sure the opposition chosen were free to play tonight.
"This will be hugely beneficial. You look at some of our players and they haven't played a proper game since the end of April. Some played into May - but that's 3 weeks for some, more than a month for others. So it's vital they get minutes under their belt," said O'Neill.
It should prove a better test than Northern Ireland's previous friendly. They faced Croatia back in November, but that fell days after the qualifying win over Azerbaijan.
"You need friendly games to try players out but sometimes it's difficult. Against Croatia we had a very weakened team against a top class side. So it can be a big exposure to take lads from League One football and ask them to face guys who play for the likes of Inter and AC Milan."
With limited striking options, the New Zealand game gives O'Neill a last chance to experiment with his forward line before the trip to Baku.
Kyle Lafferty, now without a club, is well-known to lack match fitness, while injuries and other commitments have affected O'Neill's options up front.
However, Scotland's top scorer Liam Boyce comes into the squad in the finest form of his career, and Accrington Stanley striker Shay McCartan could make his senior debut.
"I don't know what will happen, but I would be happy to get any sort of game time. I'm just looking forward to the experience of being at Windsor. It'll hopefully be a full house, and there's a good feeling among the fans now. Northern Ireland are doing well and winning games so I hope it continues," said McCartan.
Northern Ireland kick off against New Zealand at 19:45pm at The National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.