NI must take ‘full advantage’ of play-off – Magennis

Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis said that Thursday’s play-off semi-final against Italy is “a night we are going to remember for the rest of our lives”.

Michael O’Neill’s side are aiming to beat Italy and progress to the play-off final against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina – a chance to reach their first World Cup in 40 years.

Magennis is no stranger to big matches in a Northern Ireland shirt and is one of just two players who remain in the squad who played in the 2016 European Championship in France.

The experienced forward says the side now have to “make fond memories” when they travel to Bergamo.

“When you have the opportunity to play and wear the green and white jersey, you take full advantage of it,” Magennis told BBC Sport NI.

“It is a night we are going to remember for the rest of our lives, whether we make it or not.

Northern Ireland boss O’Neill is juggling managing the international side with his duties in charge of Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season.

Despite the unique approach of having two jobs at once, Magennis said it will be “no problem” for O’Neill as he aims to make more history as Northern Ireland boss.

“He has been able to multitask, and he has been doing brilliantly,” the Exeter City forward said.

“Blackburn were in a bit of disarray and he has managed to steady the ship, him and ‘Davo’ [Steven Davis].

“He is coming in with great confidence. He is a great football man and his mind for football is fantastic, so for him to come here and switch it up will not be a problem for him.”

Watch Italy v Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off on Thursday, 26 March from 19:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer, BBC One NI and BBC Three; listen on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, and follow live text commentary with in-play clips on BBC Sport app and website.