Rain, hail or shine - and it is bright sunshine in the Slovenian city - loyal supporters follow Northern Ireland all over Europe.

As kick-off edges ever closer, fans were taking in the sights and absorbing the culture ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier.

Having gained one point from their two opening qualifiers last month, Northern Ireland are already playing catch-up in Group Three and are hoping to add to their points tally in the double header against Slovenia and San Marino.

Loyal fans are keeping their fingers crossed that their team's wretched away record in competitive matches will take a turn for the better, starting in Maribor on Saturday evening.

Northern Ireland only have recorded one World Cup qualifying win away from Windsor Park in the last seven years.

Whether David Healy and his team mates leave central Europe with maximum points or not, victory is guaranteed in the terraces of the Ljudski Vrt Stadium as Northern Ireland fans out-sing and out-chant their Slovenian hosts.

Northern Ireland face group minnows San Marino in Belast on Wednesday evening at Windsor Park.