Faroe Islands vs Northern Ireland: Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt on cusp of Euro 2016 qualification

A big opportunity for Northern Ireland to book their place in France

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has tapped into Lafferty’s talents to win four games out of five (EPA) (EPA)

Northern Ireland face the Faroe Islands on Friday night in what is a pivotal game in their hunt for European qualification.

It’s a big game for…

Jonny Evans: After not getting enough playing time at Manchester United, the defender joined West Brom last week and will be looking to show his former club they were wrong to let him go if he gets the nod against the Faroe Islands.

Best stat…

5 - Northern Ireland haven’t lost in their last five games against this opposition, winning four of them. The Northern Irish will hope to keep up this unbeaten record and take another step towards qualification.

Remember when…

Paddy McCourt scored this beauty to put the icing on the cake of Northern Ireland’s 4-0 win back in 2011.

Player to watch…

Chris Brunt: The Irishman is a doubt for the game against the Faroe Islands but his manager is confident he will be fit. If the West Brom midfield plays, his set piece prowess will cause the Faroe Islands a lot of problems.

Past three-meetings…

Northern Ireland 2 (McAuley, Lafferty) Faroe Islands 0, European Qualifier, October 2014

Northern Ireland 4 (Hughes, Davis, McCourt 2) Faroe Islands 0, European Qualifier, August 2011

Faroe Islands 1 (Holst) Northern Ireland 1 (Lafferty), European Qualifier, October 2011.

Form guide…

Faroe Islands: LLLWLW

Northern Ireland: WLLWDD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 7.45.

TV: Live on Sky Sports.