Saturday 26 March 2016 23:26, UK
Gareth McAuley believes Northern Ireland will 'spring a surprise or two' during the Euro 2016 Finals and fully expects them to qualify for the knock-out stages.
Michael O'Neill's men will face Germany, Poland and Ukraine in Group C, as the Irish travel to France to contest their first major tournament in 30 years.
And the 36-year-old McAuley says he is ready to take on the likes of Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski and Andriy Yarmolenko.
The West Brom defender said: "You say the group's daunting. I'd say we have a good chance of getting something out of it, without getting ahead of ourselves.
"But, with Michael's plan, we could surprise a few. We'll have different things that we'll use and we will surprise these teams as well.
"Things we've practised, but not yet used in the campaign, so I think these teams will be wary of us.
"Obviously, we have to deal with the occasion and focus on the job, but judging by the ticket sales we'll be taking half the country with us.
"So it will be an incredible experience and we'll run ourselves into the ground for everyone."
Earlier this month McAuley became the oldest outfield player to appear for the Baggies during the Premier League era and manager Tony Pulis revealed the midlands club are in discussion with him about extending the 12-month contract he signed last summer.
McAuley added: "Hopefully things will be sorted and that can be put away before the summer.
"I feel good in the games and touch wood that continues. I'm happy to take it a year at a time, people say your legs go but I wonder if your desire goes before your legs.
"If you want to carry on doing it, you'll do it. I still want to do it so I'll do it, that's the way I look at it."
