Sunday 8 October 2017 14:58, UK
Ollie Norwood has described his time with Northern Ireland as a “wonderful journey" as he prepares to win his 50th cap.
Norwood, currently on a season-long loan at Fulham from Brighton, will reach the landmark if he is selected by manager Michael O'Neill for the crucial World Cup Qualifier in Norway on Sunday night, live on Sky Sports.
The 26-year-old's first competitive game at international level was a 3-0 defeat to Italy, which proved to be Nigel Worthington's last game in charge.
The side has improved greatly under O'Neill's stewardship, however, and they qualified for last year's European Championships.
Northern Ireland are already guaranteed second place in World Cup European Qualifying Group and will secure a play-off spot if they avoid defeat by more than one goal in Oslo, even if Scotland beat Slovenia in their final qualifier.
That turnaround has impressed Norwood, who has witnessed massive improvements in the six years since O'Neill took over.
"I was having a laugh with my friends at the time saying 'I don't want to get just one cap'," Norwood told Sky Sports News.
"Luckily enough with selection I've managed to stay injury-free. It's been a wonderful journey. I've enjoyed every single second of playing for Northern Ireland.
"The team has massively developed in my time. I remember my debut in Montenegro, we weren't really going anywhere.
"My first competitive start was Italy away and it was Nigel's [Worthington] last game in charge. We got beat 3-0 and there wasn't a great feel around the squad at the time."
Norwood qualified to represent Northern Ireland through his grandad Joe and is convinced he made the right decision to turn his back on England, having represented them at U16 and U17 level.
"What I've experienced in my short international career so far playing in the European Championships can be the pinnacle of any career and I've been lucky enough to be involved in that," he added.
"It would have never happened if I'd said no to Northern Ireland. If I'm honest, I'd never have played for England in a European Championship.
"If the opportunity arises for players, and I'm sure there are a few out there, we'd welcome people with open arms."
Watch Norway v Northern Ireland on Sunday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football at 7:15pm.
