Josh Magennis appeared as a second-half substitute during Northern Ireland’s 1-0 defeat to Germany.
Veteran Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis has lauded the current squad’s “fearlessness and athleticism,” citing these qualities as crucial to their resurgence as a formidable force in recent times.
It has been nearly two years since Michael O’Neill’s team secured a 2-0 victory over Denmark at home, a win widely regarded as the catalyst for their renewed success.
Since then, they have progressed by winning their Nations League group and are on the cusp of securing a spot in the play-offs for next summer’s World Cup.
An exciting array of young talent has fueled a series of spirited performances and positive results. Upcoming qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg could provide a fitting conclusion to their Group A campaign.
“The most striking thing for me is the fearlessness of these young players. We don’t fear anyone,” commented the Exeter City forward, who has earned 84 caps.
“Also, the athleticism we bring to games means we’re not afraid to run, to put in the hard yards. If teams aren’t willing to match that, we can dominate the game.”
Having defeated Luxembourg away and Slovakia at home, in addition to respectable performances in two defeats against group leaders Germany, Northern Ireland currently sit third in the table. However, they remain within reach of the second spot, which would guarantee a place in the play-offs next March.
Ethan Galbraith will be suspended for the match against Slovakia on Friday. Fellow midfield mainstays Ali McCann and Shea Charles, along with defender Brodie Spencer and goalkeeper Pierce Charles, are sidelined due to injury.
“The mood is high, which stems from our application and the results we’ve achieved in this group,” Magennis added.
“There’s no denying the quality we’re missing in these games, but when those players are unavailable, it provides an opportunity for others to step up and seize their chance, as has happened before.”
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O’Neill’s side can likely rely on their Nations League success as a pathway to the play-off semi-finals if they fail to finish as runners-up in their group, though securing that second place could lead to a more favorable draw.
“While we’re focused on the present, we’re aware of what could happen in March,” Magennis said.
“But we’re not dwelling on whether we finish second or third, or the potential for a more favorable draw.
“We’re not particularly concerned about who we play, because we believe we can give anyone a good challenge.”
Magennis, 35, and Paddy McNair are the only current squad members who were part of the team that reached Northern Ireland’s first major finals in 30 years, qualifying for Euro 2016 in France.
Magennis believes the current group has the potential to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1986.
“Paddy and I are the only ones left, besides Michael and the staff and Davo [Steven Davis, assistant coach], who have experienced playing at a major tournament. It’s hard to describe to the new players what it’s like, what it meant.
“You wouldn’t want a squad filled with so much hope, ambition, and talent to miss the opportunity to showcase that on the biggest stage, which is a major tournament.
“Getting to another major tournament would be the ultimate reward.”
Michael O’Neill aspires to lead Northern Ireland to their first World Cup finals since 1986.
O’Neill is in his second stint as Northern Ireland manager, having returned in December 2022 after managing Stoke City in club football.
Magennis highlights some of the qualities he believes his international manager possesses.
“First, he’s tactically very astute.
“He knows the game inside and out and brings in the right people for the right positions on his staff. Everyone has a role and responsibility.
“He firmly believes that you must be able to cover ground. If you don’t run, you won’t play in his team, regardless of your ability on the ball.
“He’s always managed to play players and formations that get the best out of them. It’s not just about getting the best players on the pitch; it’s about what will bring the best out of the team’s formation.”
According to the forward, man-management is another positive quality.
“He always manages to get the best out of players in terms of their strengths, as seen with Isaac Price, Ethan Galbraith, Pierce Charles, Shea Charles, Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, and many others.
“Some of them have played for Northern Ireland before playing for their clubs, and he has that knack for trusting and believing in them.
“It’s about going out and expressing yourself, playing with freedom and without pressure.”