European Qualifiers: Michael O'Neill wants Northern Ireland to take game to the Faroe Islands
Saturday 11 October 2014 11:42, UK
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill wants his side to take the game to European qualifying opponents Faroe Islands as they look to make it two wins out of two in Group F.
The Irish opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Hungary and O'Neill wants his side to go for goals against the Faroes at Windsor Park on Saturday.
We anticipate having more possession than we have had in our recent away games and given that we will have more possession we hope to turn that into opportunities.
"There has been a lot of focus on our attacking play especially, our approach has been slightly different," said O'Neill.
"Obviously when you are doing attacking play the players enjoy it more than the other side of the game so it's been a really good week. The mood in the camp is excellent.
Possession
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"We anticipate having more possession than we have had in our recent away games and given that we will have more possession we hope to turn that into opportunities.
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"You just can't go out and play off the cuff and play in a cavalier fashion. But our attacking players often have to do a lot of work off the ball. This is an opportunity to show the other side to their game."
The match is the first home fixture for Northern Ireland in 13 months while Windsor Park was being redeveloped, during that time O'Neill's squad have played eight successive away games clocking up 34,000 air miles.
O'Neill has been impressed with the new and improved playing surface at the Belfast ground where he is expecting a great atmosphere.
"The pitch is always the priority for me. It's great. The surroundings pale into insignificance if I'm honest and I think the players certainly enjoyed the training on it," he said.
"I don't think the surroundings will be a huge factor on the game. Once the game starts I think the players will be focused on what is going on on the pitch.
"I still think there will be a great atmosphere. The stadium is sold out and the backing of the fans will be huge for us on a night when the expectation is higher than it has been and we have to rise to that."
Mistakes
Captain Steven Davis expects his Northern Ireland team-mates to learn from the mistakes of the past by chalking up their second victory of the qualifying campaign.
I think we need to learn from the mistakes we have made in the past in games like this because we know we are capable of getting a result.
"I think we need to learn from the mistakes we have made in the past in games like this because we know we are capable of getting a result," he said.
"I think we have to be disciplined. I think in the past we have got a bit ragged and lost our way so it's about using that experience and putting it into practice.
"I don't think it is a case of not being able to cope with it (being favourite). Players are playing at clubs where there is expectation placed on them all the time.
"It is all about showing that and there is a real determination in the squad to get the three points. It won't be easy but if we don't come off with three points we will feel as if we have failed and we don't want that to happen."
