Striker Kyle Lafferty has scored six goals in qualifying, just two behind the top scorer in qualifying, Poland's Robert Lewandowski

Euro 2016: NI qualification would be 'magnificent achievement'

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says it would be "a magnificent achievement" for his side to earn qualification for the European Championship in France next summer.

Friday's 3-1 victory over Faroe Islands in Torshavn means Northern Ireland will book their spot for Euro 2016 if they beat Hungary in Belfast on Monday.

The last time Northern Ireland qualified for a major tournament was in 1986, for the World Cup in Mexico.

"It is long overdue," O'Neill said.

"I think we have to believe we can qualify now," he added on Sky Sports. "It will be a fantastic night if we can manage to do it. Obviously we'll have a couple of chances now but we want to do it on Monday.

Michael O'Neill's side top Group F with 16 points from seven games

"This group has really developed over the past couple of years and it would be a magnificent achievement. The prize is so great that the players' response has been just superb."

Two goals from West Brom defender Gareth McAuley and a third from Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty earned O'Neill's side three points against the Faroes, who had their goalscorer Joan Simun Edmundsson sent off in the second half.

Elsewhere in Group F, Hungary drew 0-0 at home to Romania, meaning new leaders Northern Ireland are virtually assured of third place and a play-off place.

After playing Hungary, Northern Ireland host Greece on 8 October before playing away to Finland three days later.