Release Date: 01/09/2010

THE Northern Ireland boys know that they can expect a difficult game on Friday against Slovenia.

However, goalkeeper Maik Taylor believes the team is ready and well prepared for the start of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

“We’ve worked extremely hard all week long and you always look for the first fixture of a new campaign – it’s like the first game of a new season – everyone trains very hard and prepares well and you want to get the campaign under way and we’re certainly looking forward to Friday now,” he said.

“It’s very important that we get off to a good start.  At the start of a campaign everyone is optimistic and I think to get a win in your first game sets the tone. 

"It’s going to be a tough, tough game, Slovenia qualified from our group in the last campaign, but we managed to beat them at Windsor Park and I felt that we were the better side for 85 minutes the last time we played them here and we were very unlucky to lose the game. 

"So obviously that’s a good benchmark for us and gives us hope – no one expected Slovakia and Slovenia to top the group last time round and that’s gives us hope to go on and better ourselves and hopefully qualifying for the Euros.”

Three sides in Northern Ireland’s group qualified for the 2010 World Cup Finals – Italy, Serbia and Slovenia – and also in Group C is Estonia and the Faroe Islands. 

“When I saw the draw I thought it was a bit harsh – with three teams having made it to the World Cup Finals – but there’s no easy games now in international football and that’s been our Achilles heel in previous campaigns,” said Taylor who is set to win his 85th cap on Friday night. 

“We’ve lost games in which people had expected us to do well in and with no easy games you have to approach each one with the right attitude and mentality and prepare properly as if we were playing one of the big boys. 

"And Slovenia certainly come in to that category now – they would definitely be one of the big boys.   They will be a better side this time round having gained experience from the last time we played them.  It’s going to be a tough night, but we’re excited about getting the campaign underway.”

All the players and staff really appreciate the support of the Northern Ireland fans and Taylor, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on Saturday said: “The role which the fans play is massive and hopefully we can repay them with a few goals and three points against Slovenia. 

"We really appreciate the support that they give us and they definitely keep us going right to the end; and hopefully we can send them home happy and likewise that’s what we’re here for to try and win football matches.  And we will be going all out on Friday night to get that result that we all crave.”

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