Rory McIlroy to Northern Ireland team: 'Write the next chapter in our sporting history'

Golfer Rory McIlroy has sent out a motivational message to the Northern Ireland football team about to get their Euro 2016 campaign underway.

Michael O'Neill's team, taking part in its first ever European Championship, will take on Poland in Sunday's Group C opener at Nice's Allianz Riviera.

McIlroy, a four-time Major winner, recorded a message which said: "Coming home as a Major champion was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It's an honour to represent Northern Ireland around the world - and to put our wee country on the sporting map.

"Tomorrow you will write the next chapter in our long and famous sporting story. When you walk out at that stadium in Nice, take a moment to think about our sporting icons, what they achieved, and how this is your chance to take your place alongside them."

The 27-year-old was at the match against Greece when Northern Ireland clinched qualification for Euro 2016 and met up with the squad at their Carton House training base near Dublin a few weeks ago.