euro 2016 qualifiers: Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill urges players to ‘write your legacy’

Victory against Greece on Thursday night at Windsor Park will seal Northern Ireland’s place in France.

It would also mean a first-ever appearance at a European Championship, and a first major tournament in 30 years.

“As an international player you write your legacy in terms of the number of times you play, the number of memorable performances you have and if you get the chance to go to a major tournament,” O’Neill said.

“These players can write their legacy by going to a major tournament.

“The prize is great and it’s something the players are determined to be part of. These opportunities don’t come around for Northern Ireland players very often.

“I don’t think motivation has ever been an issue for this team, if I’m honest.

“Even when results weren’t going as well as we’d hoped I never had an issue in terms of the effort that the players have given me.

“The belief in the squad is fantastic.”