MICHAEL O’Neill insists he will send out his strongest available side against Finland even though Euro 2016 qualification has already been assured.
The Northern Ireland boss declared: “We want to win the game, the players want to play. Gareth [McAuley] and Ollie [Norwood] are the only two players that can play the 10 games and it is nice for players when they look back to say they played in all the 10 games. I wouldn't deprive them of that. I will pick the strongest team we have.”
O’Neill was also adamant that none of his players will `switch off’ with the main job already done, saying: "No, not at all, not when I look at the team.
"We have the option of bringing Kyle [Lafferty] back in, he's scored seven goals and I'm sure he'd like to add to that.” Conor McLaughlin and Chris Baird are also available after serving out suspensions for the Greece game.
"Everyone still wants to maximise their individual contribution to this,” said O’Neill. “We'll be highly motivated to win the game.
"Against Greece we said to the players 'Test their resolve, test how much they really want to win the game'.
“I suppose it will be the same tomorrow night. We'll be asking 'How badly do Finland really want to win the game against how much we want to?'
"I think in all of the nine games we've never fallen short in that when you match us against the opposition.”
O’Neill has been impressed by his players’ attitude in Finland, even after the night of celebrations after sealing qualification:
“It’s been a great trip for us just to see the mood of the players since Thursday night. They’ve been in great form.
“There is a focus in us as well. We come wanting to win the game and the group – 23 points would be an amazing tally to get to. I told the players earlier that I don’t think a Pot 5 team has ever won the group.”
“We want to finish with seven wins, two draws, and a defeat. We want to add to the goal tally and keep the momentum we have.
“We always had a target of 18 points that we thought might get us second and guarantee us third. Obviously we’ve got to 20 points with a game left so our objective is to get to 23 points.
“Another thing is that our recent ranking came out at 35th, and all these games add to that. It builds a feel-good factor around the team.
“The players are keen to embellish the reputation they’re creating not only at home but throughout Europe.
“I’ll pick a team to win the game, simple as that. My objective is to win the game and the players all want to play.
“No one has said they could do with a rest. That’s great because we want competition for places but we’re not going to hand out starting places easily and that’s what I’ve said to the players.”
Skipper Steven Davis should again lead the side out against Finland. He’s also looking forward to captaining Northern Ireland at a major tournament, following on from Danny Blanchflower, Martin O’Neill, and Sammy McIlroy.
The Southampton midfielder commented: “To be mentioned in the same breath as those captains is hard to sum up. It is unbelievable really and makes me really proud.
“The other night I was delighted for my family, all the boys, Michael and the fans. It has been difficult playing for Northern Ireland at times to get the consistency in results and we've had to dig deep sometimes but the other night made it worthwhile. We can now look forward to France”.