Liam Brady once said the best two keepers he played with were also the quietest — Dino Zoff and Pat Jennings. The latter knows the uphill battle facing Northern Ireland this month, but is living proof of what can be achieved punching above their weight.

FAI boss John Delaney believes qualification for the European Championships in 2016 would be an appropriate way to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, especially now as we have a manager who not only was born in the six counties but was captain of its Northern Ireland football team.

Ryan Giggs will make his 1,000th senior competitive appearance tonight after he was named in Manchester United’s starting XI for their Champions League match against Real Madrid at Old Trafford.

Northern Ireland 0 Norway 3

Italy 3 Northern Ireland 0