Stuart Dallas is hoping that he can continue his club form onto the international scene in the forthcoming season as Northern Ireland on the brink of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time since 1986.
24-year-old Dallas has forced his way into national boss Michael O’Neill’s thoughts with a string of impressive displays. Northern Ireland are currently placed second in Group F, one point behind leaders Romania and two ahead of third-placed Hungary.
Hungary visit Windsor Park on 7 September, with the winners sure to progress to the finals in France next summer.
“It’s big for us,” said Stuart. “Being on the verge of something massive is exciting. I don’t feel it [pressure]; I take it one game at a time. Obviously I know how massive it is.
“I’m sure the players will be champing at the bit to get off to a good start individually and hopefully we can carry our club form through into the international stage.”
Stuart has had just under a month’s rest in the summer before he joined the rest of the First Team squad last Friday in Portugal and is relishing the chance to keep his place in the side.
“A lot of new faces have come in and we’ve a very big squad now,” said Stuart. “I think it makes it a lot more competitive. Everybody has got to be on top of their game to get in the team. And if you get there, to stay in it.
“The lads look sharp, hungry, and we’re looking forward to getting going.”
He told Bees Player that he wasn’t setting targets for the forthcoming season.
“I just want to be playing first and foremost,” said Stuart. “Hopefully my form is pretty good; you’ve just got to keep believing in yourself. As a player you set yourself the highest standards that you can. It’s all about getting a good pre-season under our belt and hit the ground running.”
You can view the entire interview with Stuart on Bees Player HD below.