VIDEO: Grand Slam can inspire us - McAauley
DEFENDER Gareth McAauley is hopeful Northern Ireland can emulate the success of the Irish rugby team by winning two crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Nigel Worthington's side face Poland on Saturday, before completing a Windsor Park double header against Slovenia on Wednesday night.
Speaking to the News Letter website, full-back McAauley hailed the "massive achievement" of his rugby counterparts and hopes the Morthern Ireland players can now go on and take their "bit of glory" by gaining maximum points in both qualifiers.
Northern Ireland currently sit second in Group Three, having played a game more than their main rivals.
McAauley, who scored his first international goal in the 3-0 victory over San Marino last month, maintains Northern Ireland cannot afford to lose either match as the qualification race for South Africa passes the midway point.
The 29-year-old maintains the mood in the camp is "positive" and is confident the vociferous Windsor Park atmosphere can be a contributory factor.
The Ipswich Town captain paid tribute to international colleague Damien Johnston, who will collect his 50th international cap against the Poles and is likely to captain the side.
McAauley also downplayed the significance of the loss through injury and suspension of Kyle Lafferty, Steve Davis and George McCartney, pointing to the return to the international fold of Manchester United defender Jonny Evans and Norwich midfielder, Sammy Clingan.
Northern Ireland v Poland kicks off at 5.15pm on Saturday.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
