NI gaffer challengesLafferty to claim spot

The Burnley full-back, who received his first full international call-up for Northern Ireland’s friendly against Holland, in Amsterdam next month and O’Neill believes the 23-year-old has the ability to make the left-back position his own over the next few years.

“Danny Lafferty and Ryan McGivern’s careers are in their infancy but they are exciting talents,” admitted O’Neill.

“It has been a position we have not been able to fill permanently in recent times with Jonny Evans and even Craig Cathcart playing there but now we have great competition with Shane Ferguson able to play there too. It’s up to them to fight it out now.

“A lot will depend on how they are doing in their club careers by the time the qualifiers begin in September but everything I have seen and heard so far is very promising.

“They are young lads but they have a terrific opportunity to play to a massive stage now.”

The ex-Shamrock Rovers boss has watched the defender in action in the Championship this season.

“I had Danny watched and then went to see him and was very impressed. Having both lads gives me great competition, especially with George McCartney no longer available.

“I spoke to Eddie Howe about Danny and he told me he certainly has the makings of a top class left-back.”

As for Lafferty himself he was over the moon to receive his first international call-up.

However he concedes that although it’s an honour to be in O’Neill’s squad, he does feel it’s going to be a tough ask against the likes of Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.

“It goes without saying that I’m delighted to be in the squad to face a side like Holland,” admitted Lafferty.

“To be recognised by your country and to be playing against the second best team in world rankings is a great honour.

“It’s going to be difficult as we are facing a Holland team who are preparing for the European Championships and whatever players they select they are all world class. They will probably play their strongest team possible in front of their own fans before they go to the Euro’s.

“Personally if I do play some part then it goes without saying that I will try my up most to do well and although I haven’t played under Michael O’Neill yet, I know that he will have a plan and I’m looking forward to working with him.”