Michael O'Neill expecting Northern Ireland to perform at Euro 2016

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards 2015.
© Getty Images
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill says that he is expecting his players to flourish when they represent their nation at Euro 2016 this summer.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has admitted that he is relishing the chance to lead his country at Euro 2016.

O'Neill has guided the team to their first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup, and while his side are inexperienced on the biggest stage, he feels that will work to their advantage when the action gets underway in France next month.

The 46-year-old told Sky Sports News: "There's a feeling of excitement. For me personally, it's my first time going into a tournament as a manager and it's the first experience for all of the players too but hopefully that will be a good thing.

"We shouldn't be flat. There are players who are continually at tournaments every two years and they could suffer from staleness at times but our guys should be relishing the opportunity having got there with everything to gain once we get there."

Northern Ireland have been drawn to face Germany, Poland and Ukraine in the group stages.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill after the Euro 2016 Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Faroe Islands at Windsor Park on October 11, 2014
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