Ali McCann says it would be “unreal” if Northern Ireland got to play a central role as part of a joint bid to host the Euro 2028 finals.
The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Irland have come together in a bid to stage the tournament in six years time.
And as things stand, the UK and Irish proposal is the only offer on the table ahead of Wednesday’s deadline, with UEFA set to announce the successful bidder early next month.
Read more: Former Linfield forward Paul Smyth says anger inspired Leyton Orient screamer
It isn’t yet known if the home nations would qualify automatically for the finals, but McCann says it would be “massive” if Northern Ireland got to play in a home tournament.
The Preston North End midfielder said: “Playing in a major tournament is why you play football and for it to be at home would be an extra bonus.
“If it was at home, it would be massive for us and something I’m sure everyone would be buzzing for.
“Considering how good the Euros was in England (last summer), it would definitely be a big plus for the home nations.”
While there are currently no stadiums here that meet the tournament’s minimum capacity of 30,000, the dream scenario is Northern Ireland playing Euro 2028 fixtures on home soil.
Windsor Park has a 18,500 capacity, while a redeveloped Casement Park, with a proposed completion date of 2024, would accommodate 34,500 spectators.
“Games at Windsor Park would be unreal,” said McCann. “The games always have a good atmosphere there, so in a tournament it would be even better.
“If it does happen, it would be brilliant.”
Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said recently that his desire is for Northern Ireland to play a full part in hosting the tournament if the bid is ratified by UEFA.
And national boss Ian Baralcough has called on the “relevant people” to pull out all stops to ensure Euro 2028 fixtures are played here.
He said: "We don't want to be the only nation that doesn't host a game during that tournament. We want to be hosting games and play a major part in that.
“We will be encouraging the relevant people to make sure we are in the shake-up when it comes to hosting games here.”
Read more: Paddy McNair and Bailey Peacock-Farrell ruled out of friendly
Read more: Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough boosted by star player's return from injury
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
