Northern Ireland prepare to face Slovakia on Friday night in what is seen as a crucial clash in terms of qualification for next summer’s World Cup.
The Green and White Army currently sit third in Group A of qualifying, but are just three points behind both Germany and Slovakia. Victory in Kosice and at home to Luxembourg will most likely secure Michael O’Neill’s side a play-off place.
Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell is looking forward to the upcoming matches with plenty of optimism and belief.
“It’s super exciting. The opportunity that we have is immense. I do believe we’re the strongest we’ve been,” the 29-year-old said.
“In terms of looking back you would have said that maybe just after we were hard done by after Euro 2016 in terms of the play-offs, but looking at the team now, it’s exciting with so much energy, enthusiasm and just fearlessness.
“The level that everyone’s playing at as well is high and I still believe that some of these players have got another couple of levels to go.
“I’ve got more to give as well. There’s so much more ceiling as well for the squad that we can continue. These next games and the games after and maybe a tournament can only help elevate that as well.”
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“There’s so much belief and enthusiasm”
The 29-year-old currently plays his club football for League One side Blackpool and has started all four of Northern Ireland‘s qualifiers.
However, there are plenty of goalkeeping options at Michael O’Neill’s disposal, with Conor Hazard and Luke Southwood competing for the starting spot, as well as Pierce Charles, who has been out with a shoulder injury.
Despite all the options, Peacock-Farrell is only focused on what lies ahead, saying: “When Pierce comes back, we’ve got myself, Pierce, Conor and Luke. We’ve got a great group for Michael to pick, so it’s a case of just doing what you can control and that’s your performances at club level and when you have the Northern Ireland shirt on.”
Last month’s 2-0 victory over Slovakia was certainly a memorable night for the Northern Ireland faithful, but repeating that performance will prove a tall order in Kosice. However, despite that, Peacock-Farrell continues to remain positive.
“They’re going to have some key players back, we’re missing a few key players, but I think they’ll also be wary that we put a lot of damage onto them in terms of how we knocked them down to reality after their high of beating Germany.
“We were incredible against Slovakia and felt hard done by against Germany. We’re actually in pretty good form and playing really well.
“Away games in international football are tough but we’re not worried about it, we’re aware of their qualities as with every game but looking back at my entire career with Northern Ireland, I’m looking at this team and it’s really, really promising and it’s exciting.
“There’s so much belief and enthusiasm and overall ability as well in this team. It’s great to be a part of.”
Quotes from BBC Sport.
