'Northern Ireland have nothing to fear but everything to gain'
There has been a lot of noise surrounding Michael O'Neill's decision to take on the Blackburn Rovers job ahead of the play-off, but for me it doesn't change anything leading into the game. The preparation has been done and Michael is very thorough in his work. He leaves no stone unturned no matter the game or what is on the line.
He physically can't do anything with the players until the group meet up, and if I was still playing, I wouldn't have batted an eyelid at him taking that job on. Michael will be a sharper coach for the experience, and he will still be keeping a close eye by watching players and their games. The players will prepare the same way, and Michael will prepare the team in the same way.
It will not make a difference for this game and he will have his team ready. For the players, you have to treat it like any other game from the moment you arrive into camp. You have to do everything possible to give yourself the best opportunity to be at the highest level come game day, whether it be from the start or off the bench.
There are no excuses, you only get one shot at this and you have to be ready, and Michael will be too. One area that does concern me, however, is the loss of Dan Ballard for the game. It's a huge blow.
Northern Ireland are already without Conor Bradley so to lose another Premier League player, especially one of Dan's quality, is really disappointing. I've watched a lot of games and he has been exceptional for Sunderland this season and he has really stepped up in the Premier League. He brings a lot to Northern Ireland, with his experience, leadership and his impact in both boxes.