Northern Ireland star Paddy McNair: Poor results are not down to a lack of effort. . . the tide will turn
Paddy McNair says the Northern Ireland fans deserve a big performance against San Marino on Saturday
Paddy McNair has admitted the Northern Ireland players owe themselves and the supporters a big finish to the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
The optimism that greeted the draw and the return of manager Michael O’Neill has long since faded as a losing streak of five matches leaves the squad playing for pride and better days in the future.
Group H stood for hope at the beginning but it has unfolded as a horror show with injuries adding to the misery.
Even with the loss of experienced players like captain Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas, it’s impossible to escape the feeling that this campaign is a missed opportunity.
Defeat at home to San Marino on Saturday is unthinkable, despite Northern Ireland’s search for fresh morale and confidence.
The visit of Slovenia on Tuesday is a trickier test but as O’Neill has recognised, this group of players needs to find a way to win. Young players are being asked to go the extra mile in unfamiliar and sometimes hostile territory while lacking guidance on the pitch.
Amid all the glamour and sparkle of the triumphant Euro 2028 bid, Northern Ireland desperately need to enhance their reputation.
The campaign has been a painful lesson and before it ends the supporters need to be given some hope after the horrors.
“Definitely,” said McNair when asked if the players owed themselves and the fans a big performance.
“Any time you stick on the green top at home you want to put on a good performance and get three points. I don’t think it’s been anything to do with a lack of effort or anything like that. I think as long as we keep trying to do the right things it will change.
“Everything is better when
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