Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans believes that his country can earn a spot at Euro 2016 following some encouraging displays in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Despite only winning one of their seven Group F matches so far, the mood has been positive under manager Michael O'Neill after some impressive performances against Portugal.
Ireland's only win to date came against Russia, and Evans believes that his side are more than capable of pushing for a place at the European Championships.
"The extra teams are qualifying in the next campaign and that gives us a big incentive," Evans told reporters.
"We need to go back to this campaign, finish as strong as we can and put points on the board. That might have an effect on the seedings and the draw for the next qualifying campaign. We're in a good place as a squad.
"It feels like we have things worked out a bit and if we can continue in that fashion there is that wee bit of hope. There is a good spirit among the squad. You hear people saying 'we enjoy it' but we actually are enjoying it. It's a good atmosphere."
Northern Ireland travel to Luxembourg on Tuesday.
Matt Cotton
