Monday 6 November 2017 11:22, UK
Steven Davis says Northern Ireland's qualification for Euro 2016 has "left them wanting more" as they prepare to play Switzerland in a two-legged play-off for a place at next year’s World Cup.
Michael O'Neill's side reached the round of 16 at the Euros before losing 1-0 to Wales at the Parc des Princes and Davis, who will earn his 100th cap for his country at Windsor Park on Thursday when they face the Swiss - live on Sky Sports - feels confidence has grown under O'Neill.
His immediate focus is on helping them make next year's finals in Russia, with their experience at the Euros ending a run of five consecutive campaigns for Davis where they failed to qualify for a major tournament.
"We never really made that step to feel as though we were really going to achieve it," Davis told Sky Sports News when asked about their previous failings in qualification.
"You think it is not going to be but there's always that little feeling you might one day get there.
"We got off to a good start with the first few games in the campaign and that snowball effect built.
"It gives you that extra incentive and real belief that you can go and achieve something and obviously we managed to top the group in the end.
"It was a special campaign and an unbelievable experience at the Euros and it has left us wanting more.
"If you had said to us in this campaign with Germany in the group that we would be in a play-off to get to the World Cup, we would have bitten your hand off.
"We have got it all to play for and we are in the position we want to be in and we will definitely give it our all to try and achieve our dream."
As for earning his 100th cap as a Northern Ireland player, Davis admits he is thrilled, although is keen to focus on the Switzerland game before reflecting on his achievement later.
"I want to appear for my country as many times as possible," he added.
"It's obviously a huge landmark but being the game it is, I don't want anything to detract my attention from what the game is and that is World Cup qualification.
"Hopefully after the two games it is something I can look back on but going into the games, my sole focus will be on getting the right results."
Watch Northern Ireland v Switzerland on Thursday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event at 7pm.
