Czech Republic v Northern Ireland preview: Michael McGovern wants to build on Euros

15:12
Michael McGovern wants to focus on World Cup qualification, not his Euro 2016 heroics
Michael McGovern wants to focus on World Cup qualification, not his Euro 2016 heroics

Goalkeeper Michael McGovern has insisted Northern Ireland are in confident mood ahead of the World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.

Northern Ireland face their first fixture since Euro 2016, where McGovern moved into the spotlight following an inspired performance against Germany.

However, the shotstopper said they must forget about France, where they reached the last 16, and focus on reaching Russia in two years time.

Northern Ireland players lift manager Michael O
Northern Ireland players lift manager Michael O'Neill in the air as they celebrate with fans in Belfast after the team's success at Euro 2016

"The Euros is over and done with, in the past," he said.

"We've had a taste of success and you want more. It's a brilliant opportunity to build on it.

"We've never gone into a World Cup qualifying campaign with such confidence. The group's hard but it's achievable to get second place, at least."

Northern Ireland face a Czech Republic side who have a point to prove after finishing bottom of their group at the Euros, with Karel Jarolím taking charge of his first game.

Czech Republic head coach Pavel Vrba resigned following Euro 2016
Czech Republic head coach Pavel Vrba resigned following Euro 2016

Team news

Ryan McGivern and Matthew Lund were called into Michael O'Neill's squad after Craig Cathcart suffered a groin injury.

The Watford defender played every minute in France earlier this summer, meaning O'Neill may have to change his formation having opted for three centre-backs at the tournament.

Craig Cathcart is out for Northern Ireland
Craig Cathcart is out for Northern Ireland's opening World Cup qualifier

Shrewsbury Town's McGivern, who has 23 caps, has not featured for Northern Ireland since a Euro qualifier defeat to Romania in 2014.

Meanwhile, Lund is uncapped at senior level, but did feature six times for the under-21s. 

Opta stat

Northern Ireland have never beaten the Czech Republic in four previous meetings since 2001 (D2 L2).

The Green and White Army have scored only once in those four games, with Phil Mulryne scoring in a 3-1 defeat in June 2001.

The Czech Republic have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last six home competitive games.

Ryan McGivern is back in the Northern Ireland squad
Ryan McGivern is back in the Northern Ireland squad

The Green and White Army won just one of their qualification matches for the 2014 World Cup (D4 L5), though this was followed by six wins in 10 Euro 2016 qualifiers (D3 L1).

The Czech Republic have failed to score in four of their last six World Cup qualifiers, including a 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland in October 2009.

Northern Ireland have failed to score in four of their last five internationals, the exception being the 2-0 win over Ukraine at Euro 2016.

O'Neill's side haven't conceded more than once in an international since November 2014 (14 goals conceded in the following 21 games).

Source : skysports[dot]com

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