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Page last updated at 18:35 GMT, Saturday, 16 October 2010 19:35 UK

John O'Neill NI verdict

By John O'Neill
BBC Sport NI analyst

Toftir action
Nigel Worthington and Aaron Hughes leave the pitch after the draw with the Faroe Islands

From the first whistle there was a sense that all was not going to go according to plan in Northern Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifier away to the Faroe Islands.

To be honest, before the game, I was not particularly worried as I thought the prospect of seven points from three games would be enough to motivate the players to do the job.

But there was just no sense of urgency.

As it turned out, we had no creativity in midfield and we were relying on hitting balls straight from the back four to the front players - there were too many high balls into the box.

The Faroes played very well and did to Northern Ireland what we have done to so many other nations in recent years.

They were big underdogs but credit must go to them and their manager Brian Kerr - they defended well and in the end they were maybe disappointed not to win.

We could register shock results in Italy or Serbia and if we are serious about winning this group we will have to do that

Next up for Nigel Worthington's men is a friendly against Morocco at Windsor Park in November and they should pose a similar threat to that posed by our group opponents Estonia and the Faroes.

We must look at playing two specialist full-backs and we have to bring George McCartney back in as he likes to attack and fire in crosses.

If he is fit, we should also give Pat McCourt a run our and Corry Evans too as he gives the team that little bit extra going forward.

We will be expected to beat Morocco at home and there is still reason for optimism regarding our Euro qualifying campaign.

We still have five points from our opening three games so let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

We could register shock results in Italy or Serbia and if we are serious about winning this group we will have to do that.

The result in Toftir was very disappointing but the squad will have to lift themselves again.


John O'Neill was speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Saturday Sportsound programme



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see also
Worthington blasts NI performance
12 Oct 10 |  Irish
Faroe Islands 1-1 N Ireland
12 Oct 10 |  Irish
John O'Neill on NI victory
04 Sep 10 |  Irish


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