Ian Baraclough hopes history can repeat itself after Northern Ireland were handed a favourable draw for the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Northern Ireland emerged from Pot 5 to be included in a six-team group with Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino, with the new campaign kicking off next March.
It could have been a lot worse for Baraclough, especially after watching Republic of Ireland counterpart Stephen Kenny thrown into a group including both France and the Netherlands.
Read more: Northern Ireland Euro 2024 qualifying draw - how fans reacted
The last time Northern Ireland were drawn out of Pot 5 they qualified for Euro 2016, and Baraclough believes opportunity knocks once again.
Baraclough said: "I kind of said tongue and cheek last week that the last time we were in Pot 5 we won the group and qualified for the Euros.
"Let's hope history can repeat itself and we can give a good fist of it."
He added: “We certainly could have been put in a much harder group with two footballing giants I suppose, with some of the names in Pot 2.
“No disrespect to Finland but fans will look at that and say we’ve got as good a chance as we’ve had in recent years.
”There’s still a long way to go until we play in March but I think it’s something the players will look forward to and think there is a realistic chance of having a really good bash at it and having a real go.
“There’ll be teams in that group who think they can pick up points that they haven’t done on previous occasions as well."
Baraclough has been coming under increasing pressure following a poor Nations League campaign which saw Northern Ireland win just one of their six games.
The former Under 21 boss has always been adamant that he should be judged on major qualifying campaigns, and accepts there will be no hiding place once the Euro 2024 qualifiers get under way.
“I do think this draw gives our side a reasonable chance," he added.
"I was speaking to the other managers of the Home Nations, Gareth [Southgate], Rob Page and Steve Clarke; Steve said although they [Scotland] got promoted in the Nations League and it’s been a good campaign for him, it’s not a competition anyone relishes because probably the players don’t take it as seriously as Euros and World Cups.
“I stand by what I said; judge us - all of us, on our campaigns - Euros and World Cups.
“I think that still rings true with everybody.”
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