Tuesday 5 September 2017 15:17, UK
Michael O'Neill feels the change in the atmosphere at Windsor Park has been vital in Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign.
O'Neill's side are closing in on reaching another international tournament after Monday night's 2-0 win over Czech Republic secured them second place in Group C.
Northern Ireland are five points behind world champions Germany, who seem certain to take top spot and automatically make the grade for Russia 2018.
But O'Neill's men will in all likelihood be involved in a World Cup play-off as they bid to follow their appearance at the European Championships last summer with another finals run-out.
And the manager is fully aware of the role the changing face of Windsor Park - which underwent a £31m transformation in 2015 - has played in his side's improved fortunes.
"It's a big part," he said. "If you look at our qualification for (the European Championships) France, we had three home wins and two draws.
"We dug out a result against Hungary with 10 men and a lot of that on the night was down to the courage of the team.
"But you need the supporters to be with you; you need to find that. In this campaign we've won four games at home and haven't conceded a goal.
"The players enjoy playing in the atmosphere that we have at home now. There was a period when they probably didn't enjoy playing here.
"They had maybe had some poor results and the stadium wasn't like it is now.
"It had the feel of a place where the players weren't enjoying playing international football.
"Whereas now, the pitch is great, the stadium's great and the atmosphere is great. So it's a positive for everyone."
