INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL: Northern Ireland's Niall McGinn focused on future success

The Aberdeen winger stepped into the spotlight by leading out his country and earning a 50th cap during the 3-0 friendly defeat to Croatia.

McGinn set aside reflections on his personal milestone to outline ambitions for 2017 and beyond.

“To reach 50 caps for my country is a great feeling and this year has been amazing on a personal level,” said McGinn, who kicked off his senior international career back in 2008 against Hungary. “To captain Northern Ireland against Croatia made it a great way to end 2016 in front of my family and friends.

“To score in EURO 2016 was a massive highlight but, aside from any individual landmark, it was important for us to get Friday’s 4-0 result against Azerbaijan.

“The whole experience of the European Championships makes you hungry as a player to experience more and to get to a World Cup finals would probably top EURO 2016.

“It is about building on the momentum and we will turn to the next three games from March aiming to keep it all going.

“We have Norway at home then trips to face Azerbaijan and San Marino.

“We will be wanting to get nine points from that but know it is going to be difficult.

“However, we must take confidence from the last few years, pushing towards a great 2017.

“Michael O’Neill has created a great team spirit and been brilliant for me in terms of giving me opportunities.”

Croatia became the first side to record a win at Windsor Park since Portugal in 2013 as Mario Mandzukic, Duje Cop and the impressive Andrej Karamaric each found the net.

Kick-off was delayed due to traffic congestion, with a number of away fans ejected during the game following disturbances within the attendance of 16,893.