Euro 2016

Michael O'Neill: 'Next two matches are crucial to qualifying hopes'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 14 June 2015

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill feels that his side's next two matches in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign hold the key to them reaching France.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill believes that his side's hopes of reaching Euro 2016 will rest on their next two qualifying matches.

O'Neill's side took a point from Saturday's clash against Romania to leave themselves in second place in Group F two points clear of Hungary in third spot.

The 45-year-old feels that his sides chances of playing in France in the tournament next year hinge on their displays against the Faroe Islands and Hungary.

"I always felt the two games in September were crunch games and that's going to be the case now," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.

"There's everything to play for. The Faroes are actually fourth now and have had a great campaign for a nation of their size.

"They're probably thinking that three points against us moves them into a nice position so we can't disregard them. That becomes a very important game now and then we have Hungary at home. It's a very interesting double header."

Northern Ireland are next in action away to the Faroe Islands on September 4.