Jamal Lewis ready to go

The Green and White Army were originally scheduled to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off semi-final in March, but the spread of Covid-19 put paid to that and the game was put back until October.

That postponement might have signalled the end of Michael O’Neill’s successful reign as Northern Ireland boss, but the objective remains as they bid to a second major tournament in four years

“I’ve been looking forward to it for a while now,” said the Newcastle United full back.

“Since the game was announced especially against Bosnia because I’ve played them twice with the team and definitely the one at home I don’t know how we didn’t get a result.

“Even away as well, that was unfortunate. They were two great performances from the team and I think we will bring a lot of confidence into the game.

“On a personal note I have sensed it around the camp since I’ve been here on Sunday that the boys are ready.

“In football many games are won by one or two things. Most of the time teams will feel results can be a little bit unjust.

“I think over the two times we played them in the Nations League we have gotten a good comparative.

“They obviously have some quality with Pjanic and Dzeko but overall we really do back ourselves to beat them especially if we bring the intensity we know we can bring over 90 minutes.

“If we do that we can come out on top and do it quite convincingly.”

Northern Ireland suffered two narrow defeats to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Nations League two years ago, including a 2-0 reversal at the Grbavica Stadium, where tonight’s game will also be played.

Lewis, who played in both games, says there was plenty of frustration over those two previous results, but he knows where they can improve this time around.

“Have a little bit of clinical edge,” he said. “I remember in the away game I slipped for one of the goals, I made a slight error.

“Being clinical in both boxes, I think we can always do that. Especially with some of the performances I’ve been involved in, you’re coming off the pitch thinking ‘How have we not got something from that game?!’

“When we played them at home, I’ve not been part of many games where I’ve dominated a team that much, I felt that they couldn’t really get out of their half – but somehow they managed to get a result.

“We’re going in with a lot of confidence, but knowing that we have to be clinical in both boxes, that’ll tip us over the edge to get the result we want.

“Of course, in hindsight, after the game you can say ‘We could have done this or that differently’, but I think we’re a team that’s best on the front foot, with everyone reading off the same page basically.

“When we’re pressing teams, suffocating them, being the aggressors, that will allow us to play our game, put our stamp on the game. That’s the message we’re getting from the manager.”

A win tonight would mean Northern Ireland are one victory away from another major tournament something which excites Lewis greatly.

“It would be great,” he said. “It is the only game so far in my international career that will have a certain type of knockout factor to it so I am really looking forward to it.

“These are the types of games you want to play in at this level to showcase what you can do and be part of a successful group.

“Most of this group went to the last Euro finals. If I can be part of doing it this time it would be great.

“I was hoping we could be there this summer and with it being postponed I now have an eye on next summer with this team.”