NI defender sees bright future

Norther Ireland full-back George McCartney insists the best is yet to come from Nigel Worthington's side.

The West Ham United defender will be in action for Worthington's men against Georgia at Windsor Park on Wednesday, when they will be to aiming to win for the first time since narrowly missing out on Euro 2008 qualification.

A disappointing friendly defeat to Bulgaria last month did little to inspire confidence but McCartney insists there are plenty of reasons to be positive.

After returning to the squad last year following a two-year absence due to a row with former boss Lawrie Sanchez, McCartney has been impressed with everything he has seen.

"We went so close in the European Champions qualifiers and I know some people will think we have peaked as a squad but that is nonsense," said McCartney.

"We have a lot of young lads in this squad who will only become better players with the experiences they already have behind them and the future is very bright.

"When you add the experience of the likes of Maik Taylor and Aaron Hughes to that I think we have a good blend.

"We have a very solid base to build on now.

"Losing out on making it to Euro 2008 was hard to take after going so close but you won't find any of us feeling down about it.

"We will be stronger for the experience and we'll build on it.

"As a squad we are very confident at the moment and after going so close we have shown that we have quality.

"You definitely haven't seen the last of Northern Ireland as a force."

Reflecting on return from international exile under Sanchez, McCartney added: "I missed out on two years of games with Northern Ireland but since I've come back I've noticed a change in the mentality and everyone is excited about the future."