Thursday 8 October 2015 23:47, UK
Michael O'Neill praised his Northern Ireland players for buying into his methods - and admitted qualification for Euro 2016 was an "amazing feeling".
Northern Ireland qualified for their first European Championships after beating Greece 3-1 at Windsor Park on Thursday night, thanks to goals from Steven Davis and Josh Magennis.
And a jubilant O'Neill, who was missing Kyle Lafferty, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Conor McLaughlin and Jonny Evans, praised his back-up players after they booked their place at a major tournament for the first time since the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.
"It's an amazing feeling," O'Neill told Sky Sports.
"The performance was just outstanding. We had to cope without the players that weren't playing and right through the team, the players that came in were magnificent.
"The players deserve a huge amount of credit because ultimately they have to buy into it," he added.
"We are a real tight unit in the squad but that's down to the players. We've got confidence and belief and that comes from winning games."
Captain Steven Davis was a key component of Northern Ireland's victory, scoring two goals and O'Neill was full of praise for his side's leader.
He said: "There are all types of captains but for me, Steven Davis epitomises everything you want in a captain.
"He takes responsibility on the pitch and drives his team forward. He's an example in terms of how he is as a professional and a person. I didn't expect him to score an 18-yard header if I'm honest, but I'm delighted for him to get the goals.
"In my opinion, he's one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. He's a top top player and he showed it again tonight."
Northern Ireland travel to Finland for their final Group F game on Sunday and need a point to top their group above Romania.
But despite the game on Sunday, O'Neill is already looking forward to next summer's tournament in France.
He said: "We are looking forward to the draw now. It gives everybody something to look forward to.
"The players have to go back to their clubs and focus on club football but the preparations for France start now.
"Our objective was to qualify and we've done it."
Watch Finland v Northern Ireland live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 4.30pm on Sunday.
