All those who played on Saturday gave themselves an excellent chance to play again in this game, |
But the fans want competitive games, and to be honest so do the players and the backroom staff. |
Getting third place in the group would put us in a good position for the Europeans because hopefully there will be one or two teams in our group that we are capable of beating, |
I said to them it was about belief to win - when they went out one or two did not believe but by half-time 11 believed it, |
I think England will still qualify for the World Cup and I think they will look back on this defeat as a minor hiccup, a bad memory, |
I was brought in 18 months ago to create shocks. This one's up there. The players have achieved immortality in Northern Irish folklore. You live for these moments. |
If we can do that and upset some of the bigger teams we can get closer to qualifying for a major championship again. |
If we could finish third it would be a magnificent achievement. |
It brought home to us what the win against England meant to the fans and everyone in Northern Ireland. |
Keith has come strong again, |
Not too many of my side are playing first-team football, and it showed. Too many of them looked rusty. It was a good kick up the backside - although to be honest, neither goalkeeper had much to do. |
Playing for his country means a lot to him and he has fought his way back into the team. Keith came into the squad late for the game in Azerbaijan and has been ever present since. He is a good example of having to battle your way into the team and keep your place. |
The games would have been difficult with Aaron and they will be more difficult without him for sure, |
There maybe something of an omen there because I made my debut against Spain and Gerry Armstrong made his name against them. |
They did well. Anybody would have been disappointed to be left out after their performance on Saturday, |