Editorial: With play-off draw taking place tomorrow, Northern Ireland football supporters are dreaming of a World Cup return

Football fans around the country and beyond can tune in tomorrow at noon to a Switzerland ceremony that will determine the next step towards ending our 40-year wait for Northern Ireland’s name at another World Cup.

Generations from the Green And White Army have memories of Spain in 1982 or Mexico four years later when Northern Ireland names such as Pat Jennings, Gerry Armstrong and Norman Whiteside cemented a special place in our wee country’s illustrious sporting history.

Some cheering on Michael O’Neill’s men across the current Word Cup qualifying campaign may even recall that landmark first appearance in 1958 on the game’s global stage.

On Thursday we will discover the nation now standing in the way of Northern Ireland achieving another against-the-odds appearance at a World Cup tournament, when a draw determines who O’Neill’s men face next March in a play-off semi-final.

Victory in that away game would then set up a one-off showpiece showdown, possibly in Belfast, with the ultimate prize of securing a slot at the summer finals hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

O’Neill, having already made history by steering Northern Ireland to a first-ever European Championships appearance in 2016, has the support of the country behind him and a bright future in front thanks to his group of promising young players.

A place on the biggest platform in world football alongside the biggest names next summer may yet prove a step too far for a squad still in transition from that modern golden era of EURO 2016.

However, the rise of a squad that includes favourites for a new generation such as Liverpool’s Conor Bradley is celebrated for potential, passion and pride, surprising many and allowing fans to dare to dream.