Michael O’Neill: Win was important for this group but Northern Ireland have to grow from this
Dion Charles scored Northern Ireland’s second goal (Liam McBurney/PA)
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill wasn’t getting carried away after their win over Denmark but admitted that getting a win to finish a dismal Euro 2024 qualifying campaign was important for his group of players.
After a group stage that saw his side lose every game bar their two clashes with minnows San Marino, O’Neill would have been delighted to see second half goals from Isaac Price and Dion Charles earn them a massive 2-0 victory at Windsor Park to round off their fixture list.
While not enough to earn Northern Ireland a place at their second major tournament finals under the manager, the win revitalised the beleaguered Windsor Park crowd and had them leaving with a smile on their face as Van Morrison’s ‘Days Like This’ blared over the PA system.
And in the dressing room O’Neill had a similar smile on his face as he reflected on a win that they can take forward as confidence after an otherwise forgettable campaign.
"I said that to them in the dressing room – there was nothing really at stake for us other than our own pride and I think that’s a real positive that we played with that intent and that energy and work rate and did that side of the game which is difficult to do when there isn’t something at stake,” said the boss.
"We had four Under-21s in the team. Right through the team everyone gave a great account of themselves.
"It’s really important for the lads, for the dressing room and the supporters as well.
"The application of these players has been terrific. We’ve put a lot of attention and detail into this campaign. Maybe for a lot of these players it’s their first experience of that and it’s hard to come away when you’re getting
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