Ian Baraclough still has faith in Northern Ireland

Ian Baraclough refused to write off Northern Ireland’s hopes of topping their Nations League group despite another dispiriting display in Sunday’s goalless draw away to Cyprus.

Northern Ireland’s winless record in this competition extended to 12 games as Baraclough’s men, top seeds in Group 2 following their relegation to League C, followed Thursday’s 1-0 home defeat to Greece with a poor performance in which Cyprus had the better chances.

The manager, players and 600 travelling fans had certainly expected more against a side who only reached League C after beating Estonia in a play-off, and the draw left Northern Ireland already five points behind Greece, who won 1-0 against nine-man Kosovo.

A trip to Pristina is next up for Northern Ireland, and Baraclough said his side can still recover.

“We’ve only played two games,” he said.

“If we listen and start getting negative about everything we may as well pack up. Negativity breeds more negativity. People don’t feel great about themselves. Give people a chance to pick themselves up. Get ready to go against Kosovo.”

The disappointing display will put pressure on Baraclough, who goes into Thursday’s match having won only three of his 18 competitive games in charge, and with his side having failed to score in six of their last nine.

Northern Ireland were plagued by the same problems that cost them last week at Windsor Park – too many misplaced passes and mistimed runs in a disjointed performance.

We've only played two games. If we listen and start getting negative about everything we may as well pack up. Negativity breeds more negativity. People don't feel great about themselves. Give people a chance to pick themselves up. Get ready to go against Kosovo- Ian Baraclough

With a