Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill confident of coping without Jonny Evans

Michael O'Neill has insisted that Northern Ireland will be able to cope without defender Jonny Evans in Thursday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Greece.

Victory will see current Group F leaders Northern Ireland qualify for the tournament for the first time ever, but they will have to do it without West Bromwich Albion centre-back Evans, as well as suspended trio Kyle Lafferty, Chris Baird and Conor McLaughlin.

"Obviously the injury to Jonny at the weekend was a blow but one thing I have noticed in those three days, maybe more so than in the past, is that the squad is stronger now than at any time I've been in charge," O'Neill told reporters.

"I genuinely believe that we have the players to step in and deal with this game."

Evans could return for the Green and White Army's final qualifier in Finland on Monday, with O'Neill's men needing two points from their final two matches to ensure a top-two finish.