Michael O'Neill issues 'play your part' challenge to home support ahead of crucial Slovakia clash
Slovakia come to Windsor Park tonight in the first part of a crucial World Cup qualification double-header
Michael O'Neill has challenged the Northern Ireland fans to play their part in the crucial World Cup qualification double-header against Slovakia and Germany.
Group A leaders Slovakia head to Windsor Park tonight with the Germans following quickly on Monday evening in two games that could go a long way in securing a place in next year's tournament.
O'Neill stopped short in calling tonight's game a "must win" but he recognised the significance for his young squad and urged the fans to stay behind them.
"I think when you play at home, regardless of any situation, the fans are very, very important," said the Northern Ireland boss.
"I've been to see Sunderland two or three times this season, the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light is incredible.
"It certainly helps that team and it certainly makes it difficult for the opposition as well. The home fans always play a big part.
"Stay behind the team. We will have difficult moments in the game, there's no doubt about that. But the players will respond to that.
"There'll be an energy in the Stadium, hopefully. They'll see a performance from a team that is desperate to do well and desperate to please and desperate to give them a team to be proud of.
"That's what we're hoping to do with tomorrow night's performance."
Confidence is high within O'Neill's young squad with the manager revealing they have been reinforcing to the players that they are capable of qualifying for a major tournament.
"We can't really say there's not one in them, that would kill them, so of course we tell them that," he said
"They get the opportunity to qualify every two years and they've had a little bit of success at Nations League level.
"That's good. It's nice to top a group in any competition and we have an unbelievable spirit, a desire to play.
"For any player who plays international football, their aspiration is to get the chance to do it. If you don't do it the first time or second time around, you keep knocking on the door until it happens."