Kyle Lafferty: This is biggest game of squad's careers
Sunday 6 September 2015 09:01, UK
Kyle Lafferty says Northern Ireland's match against Hungary on Monday will be the biggest game of the players' careers.
The Ulstermen can secure a place at next summer's European Championships in France if they beat Hungary at Windsor Park after Friday's 3-1 victory in the Faroe Islands took them to the brink.
It would be the first time Northern Ireland have reached a major international tournament for 30 years and although players such as defender Jonny Evans have won Premier League titles, Lafferty believes the chance to create a landmark for their country is even more significant.
"The players know that this is the biggest game of their careers - win and we create history," the Norwich forward said.
"We want to do it so much for the fans and they deserve it. It should be a very special night at Windsor."
Northern Ireland have been absent from every tournament since the 1986 World Cup and are yet to appear at a European Championship finals.
So to be this close to realising their goal at this stage of the qualifiers is a factor Lafferty admits he can scarcely believe.
"I could never have imagined that we would be in this position with just three games to go - five wins, a draw and just one defeat," he added.
"This could be the first time Northern Ireland have ever qualified for a Euro finals. It really is some achievement.
"I'm excited, I know everyone else is excited and we can't wait to make sure we get across the finish line."
The 27-year-old has struck six goals in the group stages - only Poland's Robert Lewandowski has managed more across the continent - but conceded his lack of match fitness and the possibility of a suspension tempered his efforts somewhat against the Faroes in Torshavn.
However, given the prize at stake when the Hungarians visit the Northern Irish capital, Lafferty has no plans to hold back for his country's next fixture.
Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers
"I'm delighted to score another goal but the most important thing is we got the three points," he admitted.
"If I'm honest though I think my performance showed that I wasn't match fit. My lack of game time really showed. But come Monday night I want to make more of a contribution.
"I know that I have to help the team go out and get three points. It was constantly in my mind that I was one booking away from a suspension so I couldn't play my natural game.
"But on Monday night I will not be thinking about the yellow card, I'll be giving it my absolute all.
"I know that if we win then we qualify for France so I'm really looking forward to Monday now."
