Michael O'Neill explains Northern Ireland selection calls and sends final message ahead of Italy play-off

O’Neill, who led his country to Euro 2016, is looking to reach another major tournament and end Northern Ireland’s 40-year World Cup wait.

With Conor Bradley, Ali McCann and Dan Ballard all missing due to injury, O’Neill was forced into a number of big calls in his starting line-up.

Here’s what O’Neill had to say on each decision ahead of kick-off on BBC Sport NI:

THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND TEAM?

"We wanted to put as much running power and athleticism in the team and that’s what we have tried to do.

"Pierce (Charles) coming back in and obviously Brodie Spencer coming in on the left-hand side and Justin (Devenny) playing in a midfield role as well.”

NEW ROLE FOR JUSTIN WITH NO ALI MCCANN?

"It is yeah.

"We knew earlier in the week that Ali was a long shot and it was disappointing, but he did everything possible to be fit.

"Unfortunately he didn’t make it...we’re young but with that hopefully they’re ready for the occasion, I believe they are, and we felt we needed to put as much athleticism on the pitch as we could.”

JAMIE DONLEY STARTING UP FRONT?

"He played well in the Luxembourg game for us and I think he’s a different proposition to the other strikers we have.

"He will drop into areas and be difficult for them to play against in a back-three, his link-up play is good and he’s another young player with high potential.”

WHAT HAS THE MESSAGE BEEN?

"It’s not difficult to give players a message in a game like this.

"We’re delighted to be here at this stage of the competition but we want to take the next step.

"The players have been brilliant all week and there’s a steely determination about them, confidence and belief in them, and as I’ve said all along, this is a young team with everything to gain...hopefully they can take that next step.”