Soccer:Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington wants his side to build on their impressive start to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign when they meet the Faroe Islands on Tuesday.
A goalless draw against former world champions Italy at Windsor Park increased the feel-good factor in the camp following the victory over Slovenia last month, but with former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr managing the Faroes, Worthington expects a tough, if familiar, test.
"I see this game as a bigger one than playing Italy,” said Worthington. “Why? They have a British manager (sic), who knows the British game and knows our players. So we have got to go and do a job.
"If we can get three points on Tuesday that would be a fantastic start for us in the group. It keeps the door wide open for us. What we have to do in that game is go and do a good professional job."
It could have been even better for Northern Ireland on Friday night had David Healy found the target instead of the wrong side of the post in the first half following a cross from Chris Brunt. Then as time was running out Steve Davis was denied by goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, who made a good block.
Healy has not scored for two years now for Northern Ireland and remains out of the picture at Sunderland. He has Worthington's backing, however.
"I was blowing David's header in,” he said. “It was a great ball in by Chris Brunt. The little man found a little gap but he is just going through a lean spell. I will carry on supporting him because he is working hard in training and looks a lot brighter and sharper. It is a case of when it happens."
Worthington revealed the players were disappointed not to have beaten Italy.
He said: "It was a performance with a lot of character, determination and resilience. The discipline in the team was fantastic. Everyone stuck to their task.
"We knew Italy would have a lot of possession and one of the pleasing things for me is that the players are disappointed they have not won the game.
"They feel we had the better chances. That shows to me what the players mental state is. Also we have not played as well as we can do, which is passing the ball. It is a great point against the ex-world champions."
Italy dropped their first points after beating both Estonia and the Faroe Islands but coach Cesare Prandelli had no complaints about the result.
"Northern Ireland are always difficult opponents at home. We had a lot of chances but suffered some bad luck with our finishing. But I am pleased with the work the team put in.
"Our mental approach was strong and Northern Ireland got a big advantage from the crowd. It was a fair result, I feel."