NORTHERN Ireland arrive at Hampden tonight as one of the most upwardly mobile football nations in Europe.
After almost 20 years in the doldrums, they are approaching the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign with genuine optimism they can make it to their first major finals since 1986.
As recently as January 2004, Northern Ireland slumped to an al
l-time low of 124th in the Fifa world rankings.
Their struggle to even score a goal, far less win a match, became a standing joke in international football.
The last two qualifying campaigns, for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008, have changed that dramatically. Northern Ireland have claimed a string of notable victories which have propelled them to their current Fifa ranking of 32nd.
Like Scotland, they finished third in their Euro 2008 qualifying group, behind eventual winners Spain and Sweden, both of whom they defeated on memorable nights at Windsor Park where the sold-out signs are now a regular occurrence.
Confidence is high ahead of a World Cup group which has placed them with the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and San Marino.
Manager Nigel Worthington, who played for Northern Ireland on their last visit to Hampden in 1992, has lost five players to injury from his original squad, including Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty and captain Aaron Hughes of Fulham, but their talisman David Healy will be present.
The full article contains 233 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
