How Michael O’Neill has defied expectations to put Northern Ireland on verge of first Euros

Northern Ireland are one win away from reaching their first ever European Championship and a first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup. How has Michael O’Neill done it?

1. KEPT THE OLD GUARD ON BOARD

After the disappointment of finishing fifth in their 2014 World Cup group it would hardly have been surprising had experienced performers such as Aaron Hughes, Gareth McAuley, Chris Baird and Roy Carroll exited the international stage.