Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has told his critics in the stands to judge him on his record in qualifying.
Baraclough is under fire from some fans because his side managed just two points from their four Nations league games in June when they are the group’s top seeds.
He points to his record in qualifiers and Northern Ireland reached the play-off finals for Euro 2020 and finished third in their World Cup group, drawing their last game with Italy.
Read more: "Bright spark" Conor McMenamin deserves to keep Northern Ireland spot
Baraclough claims his Irish FA bosses understand the issues he had in June and that the goal is qualification for Euro 2024.
“I’d like to be judged on major qualifying tournaments and those are World Cups and Euros,” he said ahead of Saturday’s Nations League game with Kosovo.
“We’re only halfway through a cycle, building up to where we want to be at the end of the 2023-24 qualifying stage for the Euros.
“Communication is good with the people who make decisions on my position. They know we went into June’s games understrength.
“We aim to finish the Nations league campaign on a high and that will take us into the Euros qualifying draw in October.”
Northern Ireland were beaten 3-2 by Kosovo in Pristina back in June with Shayne Lavery and Daniel Ballard getting the goals.
Baraclough’s men finish their campaign in Greece on Tuesday night.
READ NEXT:
- Managers have their say on age cap debate following Glenavon teen's debut
- Kofi Balmer named in Northern Ireland squad for Nations League games
Rangers beat Napoli with a little help from Northern Ireland teens
Ajax star's Anfield goal sparks memories of Ballymena heroics
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
