FOOTBALL: Worthy retains European belief
NIGEL Worthington believes "self belief and trust" can carry Northern Ireland to their first major Finals appearance since 1986.
Worthington was part of Billy Bingham's squad that qualified for the World Cup in Mexico 24 years ago.
Since those halcyon days Northern Ireland have endured two-and-half decades of demoralising failure as World and European campaigns have faded into the ether.
Tonight Northern Ireland kick-off a new Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against Slovenia in Maribor (7.45pm).
And despite recent history and statistics weighing heavily on their shoulders, the international boss believes his current squad have the ability to carry the hopes of a nation.
"It was a great experience as a player to play in a major Finals under Billy Bingham, and we all know what it would do for the country if we could do it again," he said.
"The country would be on a high, and there would be no prouder man than me for that to happen.
"So we have to try and get a good start on Friday night and build from there."
Northern Ireland haven't won in their last 10 fixtures - or scored in the previous seven - highlighting the size of task that awaits them at the Ljudski VRT Stadium tonight.
"The stats are there and we can't argue with them," Worthington added.
"The lads know we have to score goals to win games, so they have
quietly been reminded of that without adding any more undue pressure.
"They know what they have to do.
"But there has been a tremendous attitude in the camp this week, and with some self belief and trust we can earn a positive result."
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
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