Linchpin Town defender Gareth McAuley says his Blues team-mate Tommy Smith has told him that Northern Ireland are capable of beating Italy in their Euro 2012 qualifier at Windsor Park this evening (Sky Sports One, 7pm). Smith’s New Zealand drew 1-1 with the Azzurri at the World Cup in South Africa as the then-holders crashed out at the group stage.
McAuley, one of several Town players in international action today, says Smith feels Northern Ireland can do even better than the All Whites: "Tommy Smith played against them in the World Cup and he definitely thinks they are beatable.
"They drew 1-1 out there but they nicked a goal and were hanging on. But, coming here, they are definitely beatable, they won’t relish coming here and we have to build up a bit of momentum on Friday.
"We will be looking at videos and how we are going to approach the game. I know we are trying to play the high tempo closing style and try to stop them getting forward. You can draw heart from those results and what happened in the finals.”
The former Blues skipper says Italy won’t relish Northern Ireland's approach or the Windsor Park atmosphere: "I am expecting them to be a good tactical side and have plenty of possession. I know we are the home team but they have got to come and beat us. It certainly will be a tough game but, as I said, they are beatable and they’ll certainly not be looking forward to coming to Windsor on Friday.
"I know they will have looked at videos of us and how we play and I know they will not be looking forward to the high tempo, the tackles we put in and the ugly side of the game that I know we will do well.”
McAuley, who usually plays at right-back for his country, missed out on two of Northern Ireland’s most famous recent results but hopes to be involved in another one tonight: "I was on the bench for the Spain game and I was on the sofa for the England game.
"It would be nice if we could replicate one of those nights when one of those big sides come to Belfast and get sent away with their tails between their legs. It’s not going to be easy but it’s still very much achievable.”
McAuley, 30, will win his 24th cap this evening, having scored once at international level. Northern Ireland’s next qualifier is against the Faroe Islands in Toftir on Tuesday.
Town duo Tamás Priskin and Márton Fülöp could be in the Hungarian side which takes on San Marino in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Budapest tonight. Keeper Fülöp has previously won 21 full caps, while striker Priskin has scored seven goals in 28 Hungary appearances. The Hungarians also face Finland in Helsinki on Tuesday.
Connor Wickham could win his first cap for the England U19s when they take on Albania in a European Championships qualifying group game in Belgium this afternoon (KO 1.30pm). The England youngsters next face Cyprus on Sunday and finally the hosts on Wednesday.
Town academy trio Caolan Lavery, Josh Carson and Rory McKeown are with the Northern Ireland U19 squad for their European Championships qualifying group games in Germany. The Northern Irish youngsters take on Switzerland this afternoon (KO 3pm), then the hosts on Sunday and then Andorra on Wednesday.
Earlier in the week, Tommy Smith (back) and Darren O’Dea (knee) were withdrawn from the New Zealand and Republic of Ireland squads respectively due to their ongoing injuries.