NI relish 'competitive' Nations League draw - O'Neill
admin_news
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says "there are no easy games" in the Nations League after being drawn with Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia.
The campaign begins with a quadruple-header from 23 September until 6 October, and two final matches in November.
Before starting their Nations League campaign, Northern Ireland travel to Italy in March for a World Cup play-off semi-final as they look to reach the tournament for the first time since 1986.
O'Neill's side secured that play-off, and promotion to League B, by winning their League C group in 2024 and the manager says it's an "exciting draw.
"The Nations League has proven to be a very competitive and valuable competition for us," he said.
"We will aim to approach every game with ambition, to be difficult to play against, and to give our supporters performances they can be proud of."
Northern Ireland famously beat Ukraine at the Euro 2016 finals but lost a friendly between the sides in 2021.
In a disappointing year, Hungary were relegated from League A and also missed out on a World Cup play-off following a dramatic defeat by the Republic of Ireland in November.
Georgia, whose star player is PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, beat Armenia in a play-off to remain in League B.
"It's a competitive group - there's no doubt about that," O'Neill added.
"At this level there are no easy games and we fully respect the challenge that lies ahead.
"We have faced Ukraine in recent years but haven't beaten them since 2016, so there's familiarity there
"Georgia are perhaps the unknown quantity for many, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous.
"Hungary are a well-organised, physical side with quality throughout the team and strong home support, which always makes for a tough test."
'Away form the next challenge'
Former Northern Ireland defender and BBC Sport NI pundit Stephen Craigan said the "draw could have been a lot worse" and it would be realistic for O'Neill's side to avoid relegation.
"We've got more than enough in our locker to be competitive," he added.
"If we could stay in League B after this campaign I think everyone would be pleased and see it as progress.
"I think stability, which would be staying in League B. You can carry that experience forward.
"Getting relegated would not be the end of the world, but when you work so hard to get that promotion you want to try and maintain it as much as you can."
Craigan admitted it was a positive Northern Ireland had earned promotion to League B and playing at the highest level possible would help a young squad.
He also pointed to last year's World Cup qualifiers, and said the side's away form was an area they could improve despite some strong performances.
"You are going to be playing against better teams and going to tougher venues," added Craigan.
"It will put the younger players under a bit of stress, but that's how they learn and progress.
"The next stage is to maintain a strong level of performance but get results off the back of them, particularly away from home.
"Our record away from home hasn't always been great, so that's the next challenge for this young group, to be more competitive."
