Stuart Dallas: Northern Ireland’s friendly against Luxembourg vital for Germany preparation
Stuart Dallas considers winning Thursday’s friendly against Luxembourg is very important to Northern Ireland’s hopes of obtaining an outcome in the dip of Monday European Qualifier against Germany.
Michael O’Neill’s side began their campaign with two wins from Belarus and Estonia, but know the bigger challenges would be to emerge against Holland and Germany.
Thursday’s friendly at Windsor Park, live on Sky Sports Premier League, could be missed but Dallas considers momentum is essential.
«It is a game we would like to win,» Dallas said. «We have won four on the bounce now and we would like to keep that winning feeling as it brings confidence.
«It also keeps that momentum going so we would like to win against Luxembourg.»
Dallas has grown accustomed to the pressure of expectation at Leeds as they still continue to pursue promotion into the Premier League, but he stated there is a similar feeling around Northern Ireland these days after their recent victories in attaining Euro 2016 and nearly qualifying for the final World Cup.
«I believe that’s changed in the past few years and now there are games we are predicted to win and I think that’s because we have had success,» Dallas said.
«That’s always good and it’s a good pressure to have.»
Germany will attract star power with them to Windsor Park but Dallas said Northern Ireland wouldn’t be overawed by a team that has seen its world slide to 15th – a relative slump.
«We definitely do not worry them, we admire them,» Dallas said. «We’re under no illusions about just how difficult it’s going to be, so it will be tough.
«I think we have to believe we will get something out of the game, there’s no point in just having hope. I’m sure a sold-out Windsor Park will bounce.
«As an baseball player, that could be intimidating and the lovers will play their part.
«In the home games you always have a opportunity.»
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