Former France international Alain Giresse has written off Northern Ireland's chances of progressing from their group at Euro 2016.
Michael O'Neill's side will be appearing in their first major international tournament for 30 years this summer, but have been drawn in arguably the toughest group alongside world champions Germany, Poland and Ukraine.
Northern Ireland go into the tournament on a 12-match unbeaten streak - a better run than any other team in France - but Giresse, a three-time French player of the year and member of Les Bleus' victorious 1984 European Championship squad, has dismissed their hopes.
"Technically, they are far too limited. It would really be a huge surprise if they go through the first round," he told The Belfast Telegraph.
"In their group, Germany should be widely above [the rest], and Poland and Ukraine both have better players than them.
"I hardly even know a Northern Ireland player, besides Jonny Evans, maybe. They will play with their usual and legendary fighting spirit, but I think it will not be enough."
Northern Ireland will begin their campaign against Poland in Nice on Sunday before facing Ukraine and Germany in Lyon and Paris respectively.
Barney Corkhill
