article_snippet: Assuming Northern Ireland don’t now stumble on the road to France, Northern Ireland will owe a big debt of thanks to Northern Ireland big
article_snippet: Not since the 1986 World Cup have the Northern Irish graced a big stage.
article_snippet: Indeed, the Northern Irish have never qualified for the finals of the European Championships.
article_snippet: NORTHERN IRELAND (4-1-4-1): Carroll 6; McLaughlin 7, McAuley 6.5, J Evans 6.5, Brunt 6; Baird 6; Ward 7, Davis 6.5 (C Evans 46, 6), Norwood 6, McGinn 6.5 (Dallas 64, 6); K Lafferty 8 (Magennis 79).
article_snippet: The two countries meet here in June when Northern Ireland will have a great opportunity to go top.
article_snippet: But Belfast in June is as far as we’re looking ahead.
article_snippet: Premier League stars such as Jonny Evans (centre left on back row) and Chris Brunt (centre right on back row) started for Northern Ireland .
article_snippet: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill greets fans before the Euro 2016 Group F qualifier .
highlights_snippet: Michael O'Neill's side face Romania at Windsor Park in Belfast on March 29 .
  