NI Euro 2016 fate in our own hands - Leeds star Dallas

LEEDS UNITED winger Stuart Dallas has acknowledged that Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifying fate lies in their own hands – and now they are ready to deliver.
Stuart Dallas is challenged by Tomas Kalas at the Riverside. PIC: Simon HulmeStuart Dallas is challenged by Tomas Kalas at the Riverside. PIC: Simon Hulme
Stuart Dallas is challenged by Tomas Kalas at the Riverside. PIC: Simon Hulme

Michael O’Neill’s side need two points from remaining games against Greece and Finland to book their place in France next summer.

One victory – or two draws – and the dream will finally be realised by Dallas and his team-mates, who continue to sit top of Group F following a stellar campaign to date.

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Their first bite at the cherry comes tomorrow night at Windsor Park when Greece are the visitors to south Belfast.

The Greeks sit bottom of Group F, but last month’s draw against Romania in Bucharest showed they are not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

Hungary provide the chief threat to Northern Ireland’s Euro ambitions – they sit third in the group and need two victories from their final two games to stand any chance of snatching an automatic qualifying spot.

“Two draws or one win does us,” said Dallas. “We know as a group of players what it will take to get us to France and that’s what we’re focused on.

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“At the same time, Hungary know they need to get maximum points from their two remaining games, which is no easy task.

“Having said that, we can’t worry about what Hungary do in their games. All we can do is look after ourselves and focus on Greece.”

Despite having Kyle Lafferty, Chris Baird and Conor McLaughlin suspended for the Greece game – and doubts over the fitness of Jonny Evans – Dallas believes Northern Ireland have the players capable of completing their Euro mission.

The winger, signed by Leeds from Brentford for £1.3m in the summer, added: “We have players suspended but the confidence and belief is there that we can put in a big performance. We have players in this squad who are more than capable of stepping up to the plate. Michael has shown great faith in his whole squad and that’s what it’s about in international football.”