Steven Davis believes Northern Ireland’s new confidence and fresh attitude is perpetuated throughout the entire team.
The international skipper, who bagged a dream move to Southampton after abandoning crisis-club Rangers in the summer, admits his captaincy is a straightforward role.
Looking ahead to tonight’s Group F qualifier with Luxembourg at Windsor Park, Davis insists Northern Ireland will go on the offensive as they look to get their campaign up and running.
“Setting the tone is something we all do,” he said.
“We are hoping we can have a lot of possession against Luxembourg and it’s what we do with it to create chances which is important.
“Training has been sharp and because this game is a little different, it’s up to us to dictate the tempo of play.”
Northern Ireland were defeated 2-0 by Russia in Moscow on Friday night, but Davis insists the mood in the camp is upbeat ahead of the visit of group underdogs Luxembourg.
“There are a lot of positives to take from the game,” Davis added.
“We kept going for 90 minutes and frustrated Russia.
“In general play, Roy (Carroll) didn’t have a lot to do. This game represents an opportunity to get three points and the boys are looking forward to it.
“We have done our analysis and we will be fully prepared. International football is getting harder and harder and the gaps are closing, but it’s one we’re looking to get three points from.
“Home games will have a big say in how the campaign goes for us.”
The 27-year old shook his head when asked if qualification for the 2014 World Cup was a possibility, refusing to suggest general improvements and a reasonable performance against Russia – which resulted in defeat – leaves Northern Ireland in contention for the campaign’s duration.
The captain is very clear about where his side’s focus needs to remain.
“We just take everything one step at a time and see where that will take us,” he said, “we’re not looking too far ahead.
“We know how difficult a task it would be to qualify and to maintain that consistency.
“Tomorrow represents an opportunity to get three points and the boys are looking forward to it.
“We’re just looking forward to the game and hopefully we get a positive result and kickstart the campaign.
“Obviously you target home games as the ones you need to get points from.
“We need to pick up victories at Windsor and then try and get as many points as we can away from home.
“So we will be going out looking for the win on Tuesday night and approaching the game in a positive manner.
“Hopefully we can get the result we need which will kick us on for the games which lie ahead.”
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