Northern Ireland: Michael O'Neill hails Euro 2016 qualification
Last updated on .From the section Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says the success of qualifying for Euro 2016 proves his team are capable of achieving even more.
O'Neill's side booked their place at a major tournament for the first time since 1986 with a 3-1 win over Greece in Belfast on Thursday.
"The players were outstanding. Right through the team, they were magnificent," he said.
"This shows the potential of this team and of football in Northern Ireland."
He added on Sky Sports: "How have we done it? I'm not really sure. The players deserve the ultimate credit.
"We have confidence and belief which comes from winning games. I'm proud to stand here as their manager. The preparations for France start now."
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'A dream come true'
Steven Davis scored twice and striker Josh Magennis once as Northern Ireland qualified for their first European Championship, with Christos Aravidis adding a late consolation at Windsor Park.
Captain Davis was just one year old the last time Northern Ireland competed at a major finals - at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico - when Billy Bingham's side included Pat Jennings, Mal Donaghy and Norman Whiteside.
"It's a dream come true. We couldn't have asked for it to go any better," the 30-year-old Southampton midfielder said. "It's a huge achievement for the squad and the country and there was no better place to do it in front of our fans who have pushed us all along."
'It's hard to believe'
Suspended defender Chris Baird said: "I've been through a lot of bad times with the country and so have the fans. This one is for everyone involved.
"We've been absolutely fantastic from start to finish and we're going to celebrate really well tonight."
Goalscorer Magennis hailed the spirit in the team, saying: "We may not have the best quality but we never give up. Once you have that fight you can be a formidable team."
| Northern Ireland's starting XI v Greece |
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| Michael McGovern (age 31) - Hamilton Academical, Scottish Premiership |
| Gareth McAuley (age 35) - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League |
| Steven Davis (age 30) - Southampton, Premier League |
| Chris Brunt (age 30) - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League |
| Corry Evans (age 25) - Blackburn Rovers, Championship |
| Stuart Dallas (age 24) - Leeds United, Championship |
| Oliver Norwood (age 24) - Reading, Championship |
| Paddy McNair (age 20) - Manchester United, Premier League |
| Jamie Ward (age 29) - Nottingham Forest, Championship |
| Craig Cathcart (age 26) - Watford, Premier League |
| Josh Magennis (age 25) - Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership |
Suspended striker Kyle Lafferty, whose seven goals played a major part in the campaign to reach next summer's tournament in France, said: "It's hard to believe. We were set up to do a task tonight and the lads were superb.
"Davis got two goals and was absolutely brilliant - he deserved them for his overall performances in the whole campaign."
