Northern Ireland: ‘No easy games’ as Michael O’Neill’s side learns UEFA Nations League draw

Former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Kerrigan said “the draw could have been a lot worse” and said it would be realistic for O’Neill’s side to avoid relegation.

“We have enough in our tank to be competitive,” BBC Sport NI pundit Kerrigan said.

“If we can stay in League Two after this season, I think everyone will be happy and see it as progress.”

“I think with stability, which will be through staying in League Two, you can move forward with that experience.

He added: “Relegation won’t be the end of the world, but when you work hard to get that promotion, you want to try to maintain it as much as possible.”

Kerrigan added that it was positive that Northern Ireland would be promoted to League Two and that playing at the highest level possible would help the young team.

He also pointed to last year’s World Cup qualifiers and said NI’s away form was an area they could improve on despite some strong performances.

“You will play against better teams and go to more difficult stadiums,” he said.

“It will put the young players under some pressure, but that’s how they learn and progress.

“The next stage is to maintain a strong level of performance but get good results, especially away from home.

He added: “Our record away from home has not always been great, so this is the next challenge for this young group, to be more competitive.”