'You can never say never': Northern Ireland fans hoping the country can book their ticket to the World Cup

You have to go back to 1986 for Northern Ireland’s last involvement in the global event but they know if they can overcome Italy – and then either Bosnia or Wales next Tuesday (March 31) – then they can book their tickets for this summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and United States.

It is fair to say that Northern Ireland go into Thursday’s game as big outsiders, priced at 10/1 with some bookmakers, with key players Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard ruled out through injury.

But the Green and White Army do have history of producing miracles and Robert Nethery, who lives in Coleraine, hopes he can watch Michael O’Neill’s men overcome the Italians in Bergamo.

"We definitely have the hardest pathway to get to the World Cup if we manage to do it,” he said.

"Away wins just don’t come easy for Northern Ireland, so to beat Italy and then either Wales or Bosnia away would be a massive achievement.

"The underdog tag probably suits Northern Ireland but they have to go to Italy with some sort of belief...you just never know.

"Italy aren’t underestimating us by all accounts as the game is played in Bergamo which should be a great atmosphere.

"I’ve put my summer holiday plans on hold just in case Northern Ireland reach the World Cup as you can never say never.

"Watching Northern Ireland at a World Cup would be the pinnacle for me as a supporter. I was born in 1984 so this would be new territory for me.”

Robert explained his potential plans should Northern Ireland face either Wales or Bosnia away in the play-off final.

He added: “I do know a lot of fans who have booked a one-way flight to Italy to see what happens next.

"I’ve already pledged that I’d do the Wales game if it worked out that way but won’t make Bosnia.”

Fellow avid Northern Ireland fan Stevie Magaffin, from Portadown, outlined how he is “realistic” about the country’s bid to reach the World Cup.

“We are absolute underdogs in Italy and I’m not expecting a win in their own backyard but I hope I’m wrong,” he stressed.

"You can’t predict anything in football and I’ve watched plenty of shock results throughout the years but Italy have quality all over the pitch with several players at Premier League clubs in England.

"I won’t be at the second game no matter if Northern Ireland wins…but my friend already has flights to either Sarajevo in Bosnia or back to the UK lined up.”

Stevie, who has been to several international tournaments throughout the globe, voiced his concern about the pricing of travel, accommodation and tickets at the World Cup.

“It will cost an arm and a leg to go,” he continued.

"I’ve spoken to a few Scotland fans who have already spent £4,000 on flights and accommodation before they even spend another penny.

"I don’t plan on going to the World Cup if Northern Ireland qualifies as it’s logistically a nightmare.”