Northern Ireland v Ukraine

With all the focus on the England Wales game our own game against Ukraine today has gone under the radar which is understandable.

After Sundays very disappointing performance I expect a much more positive and attacking line up today to reward our fantastic travelling support and really give them something to cheer about. They have been an absolute credit.

Michael O’Neill has indicated that we will continue with Kyle Lafferty as the sole striker so would not expect Conor Washington or Will Grigg to start. My preference would be to start Dallas and Ward, at the expense of Ferguson and Baird and move Cathcart or Evans to left back.

To qualify we need to win today, which will be a difficult task, but not impossible. Here’s hoping our brilliant team spirit can carry us through and that a German victory tonight means they lie down against us in the final Group game.

Rest in peace Darren Rodgers