By David Gold
November 13 – The Northern Irish Football Association (NIFA) chief executive, Patrick Nelson, has said that youngsters can “achieve their dreams with us,” as the country looks to develop the next generation of players who they hope will help guide them to the World Cup in Brazil in three years’ time.
Having failed to qualify for the 2012 European Championships, being held in Ukraine and Poland, Nigel Worthington left his post as manager of the national team and they are currently looking for his successor.
Northern Ireland have not participated now in a major international tournament since the 1986 World Cup, but whereas they then could call upon Norman Whiteside, the youngest player to play in the world’s top tournament, their pool of talent is now more restricted.
Youngsters are able to pledge their allegiance to the Republic of Ireland after Northern Ireland lost a case preventing this practise at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last summer, with the Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson the most prominent example of a player opting to make such a decision.
The former Northern Ireland star Gerry Armstrong (pictured), who scored the most famous goal in the country’s history when they beat the hosts, Spain, 1-0 in the 1982 World Cup, has complained in the past about the Republic talking to players as young as 15 about playing for them.
Opting to play for the Republic of Ireland is a tempting proposition, given their more successful record of qualifying for major international tournaments, and they are favourites to make it to the 2012 European Championships when they face Estonia the second-leg of their play-off in Dublin on Tuesday (November 15) having won the first-leg in Tallin 4-0.
This means that the next big talent to come through could easily switch allegiance and leave Northern Ireland to continue their struggle to qualify for a major international tournament.
“We will have to make sure in every Northern Ireland campaign that the set-up is as welcoming as it can be for all the players,” said Nelson.
“We want players to feel wanted, we want them to enjoy their time with the squad and to help the squad achieve success.
“It’s got to be a fulfilling time for them, when you enjoy something you want more of it.
“Young players can achieve their dreams with us.
“We should strive to always ensure their ambitions lie with improving Northern Ireland’s fortunes.”
The qualifying draw for the 2014 World Cup pitched Northern Ireland in an exceptionally tough group where they will do well to finish above one of Portugal, Russia or Israel, let alone come top of their section, which is the only way to guarantee a place in Brazil.
They do, though, have the comfort of being pitted with minnows Azerbaijan and Luxembourg as well, and will need to finish second at least to have any chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
“If we can’t all get excited about the forthcoming World Cup challenges then we’re in the wrong game,” added Nelson.
“It’s the biggest sporting event on the planet.
“We’re the fourth team in the group so the challenge is a formidable one but hopefully we can focus on picking up points at Windsor Park again and put in solid performances away from home.
“It’s certainly an exciting challenge for the new manager.”
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