That taste of ‘Sweet Norn Iron’ has felt so bitter for so long.
Entering the clash with Denmark with qualification hopes all but a figment of the past, it was perhaps a tad rueful that it took until the final match of Euro 2024 qualifying to finally beat a team not named San Marino.
But Michael O’Neill’s men produced the goods. Dion Charles made sure Windsor ruled after Isaac Price was on the money to open the scoring right on the stroke of the hour.
A moral victory? Well, some may see it that way when looking from the outside in; Denmark, having already qualified for next year’s Finals in Germany, had the pressure alleviated, while Northern Ireland knew they could finish no higher than second from bottom above the group minnow Sammarinese.
But no one in the National Stadium was taking it for granted come the final peeps of French referee Jerome Brisard’s whistle.
A Group H that, when revealed, had hope etched all over it turned out to be a horror show. This was a welcome send-off.
Competitive international action for O’Neill will be on the back burner for some time now, as NI’s next outing – notwithstanding inevitable friendly fire in the March pause – will not be until the autumn of next year.
Yet a front-footed finish at least provides optimism that this young squad, this new core that has been thrust to the fore in the wake of repeated injury woes, is coming of age. Slowly but surely, there are signs of life.
In truth, there always have been.
Shea Charles, back after his red card in the last home duel with Slovenia ruled him out of the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Finland last Friday, has been revelatory – small wonder it was he who teed up Price to finish off a sweeping back-to-front move, with the Standard Liege midfielder powering past one-time Premier League champion Kasper Schmeichel at his near post.
The assister of Shea’s namesake nine minutes from time has also added a fresh spark, albeit at a different end of the age spectrum.
Conor McMenamin, made in the Irish League, tricked beyond Crystal Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen and fired across the face of goal for Bolton Wanderers ace Dion to tuck home.
‘Mac Attack’ was what Glentoran fans called it when the now-St Mirren forward seized the day. He had the rhythm of the night and the hearts of many here.
What of others who proverbially took the bull by the horns? Titanic Trai Hume, exceptional Eoin Toal, lively Jamal Lewis, cool Conor Hazard.
The backline was brilliant. Even the oft-maligned George Saville, who became a half-centurion in the green and white shirt during the Helsinki massacre three days prior, was a lionheart in midfield.
Yes, it’s a one-off game and, yes, context mustn’t go amiss. All the same, to hype yourself up for a contest like this when the race is run takes considerable guts – and the players shone.
An indescribably long injury list throughout this whole campaign that’s included all-important leaders like Steven Davis, Jonny Evans and Stuart Dallas has meant younger faces have appeared maybe in greater prominence and quantity than was initially expected. But it’s not been unmerited.
Think of those still waiting in the wings, too. West Ham centre-back Michael Forbes made his senior bow against the Finns, while first call-ups for Terry Devlin, Caolan Boyd-Munce and Stephen McMullan – injury-enforced, yes, but all highly-rated – were encouraging to witness.
How these prodigies are blooded in will come under the spotlight going forward, but there is cause to believe the World Cup 2026 qualifying crusade may not be so grim. In fairness, it couldn’t be much worse.
Euro 2024 may have been a step too early for this Northern Ireland squad. With a little less injury turbulence and a more optimal blend of young and old, it might not be next time.
Featured image from Northern Ireland Social Media.
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