Hi °C | Lo °C Nigel Worthington knows that Northern Ireland’s away form must improve to enjoy World Cup success and he is intent on that change in fortunes starting tonight at Hampden against Scotland.
While Northern Ireland have been virtually unbeatable at Windsor Park in the last three years, no matter the opposition, the form on the road continues to be a problem.
In the European Championship qualifying campaign back to back defeats in Latvia and Iceland cost Northern Ireland their dream of qualifying for the 2008 finals.
With the World Cup qualifiers starting in Slovakia next month, Worthington knows the friendly with Scotland in Glasgow gives his side an opportunity to set the ball rolling in the right direction for more important matches ahead.
“Our away form has not been great but hopefully that will change in the World Cup games,” said Worthington.
“It will have to if we are to have a chance of qualifying.
“Playing in Scotland will be a big test for us and a really useful exercise for the World Cup qualifiers to come. If we could get a good result it would be a confidence boost for us.”
