Friday 9 October 2015 11:22, UK
Northern Ireland will not be heading to Euro 2016 to make up the numbers insisted manager Michael O'Neill after a historic night in Belfast.
O'Neill's men ended a 30-year absence from major tournament football with a 3-1 win over Greece at Windsor Park, with skipper Steven Davis inspiring with a double while Josh Magennis scored his first international goal to steer his country to a first ever European Championship.
"I'm very proud of what we've achieved, this is certainly the highest point of my career, either as a player or a manager," O'Neill said.
"Now we can look forward to the tournament. We're not just going to go to France and enjoy it...we're going to go and try to make an impact.
"I genuinely believe, fitness and availability willing, we can go there with a real optimism."
O'Neill was in celebratory mood but wanted the plaudits and attention to be focused on his players, especially Southampton midfielder Davis.
"It's just an amazing feeling, what we have to look forward to, but this is about the players, to see their reaction is where I get the real buzz," he added.
"We saw all the good things in Northern Ireland out there. The bond between crowd and team is really, really strong.
"Steven's performance was out of this world. He is a magnificent captain. Anyone in the squad will validate that opinion. That gives you an indication of the type of player and person he is.
"We've come from an era where Northern Ireland players were criticised for not being available at certain times, but in this squad we have real togetherness and spirit.
"For those players who've been through campaign after campaign and been through loads of disappointments - and had a lot of criticism - this is their moment as much as it is mine."
Davis, who was aged one when his country went to the Mexico World Cup in 1986, was emotional about his contribution on such a famous day.
He explained: "When I scored it obviously meant a lot because my mum passed away in 2008. She was my biggest fan... those two goals were for her.
"It's strange, I just lost myself in the moment and she came into my head at the important time."
