NI's Healy ready to make history

NORTHERN IRELAND v ENGLAND Kick-off: 1945 BST, Wednesday 7th September Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast Live coverage on BBC One, BBC Radio Five Live and this website Team news

Northern Ireland striker David Healy has told his team-mates they can go down in history as legends if they beat England at Windsor Park on Wednesday.

Healy says victory in the World Cup qualifier would put them level with the team that played in the 1982 World Cup.

"The 1982 team is legendary in Northern Ireland but this match against England is our chance to record a victory of that magnitude," said Healy.

"It would be a dream come true to score and incredible to score the winner."

He added: "I know how much it would mean to the people of Northern Ireland to do well against a great team like England.

"The reaction of among the fans to the 2-0 win over Azerbaijan on Saturday was extraordinary.

"So just imagine what it would be like if we were to beat England."

Manager Lawrie Sanchez believes his hardest task is to make the players believe they can win the game.

He said: "I need to persuade them that they can achieve beyond their capabilities.

"As a manager I need to make them believe in their heart of hearts that they can beat England.

"It depends on how many I can convince before kick-off on what sort of result and what night we get."