Ethan Galbraith’s first memories of the World Cup are of watching the 2010 finals in South Africa and the Northern Ireland midfielder says it’s a bit of a “pinch me moment” to be just two wins away from playing at this year’s tournament.
Michael O’Neill’s side face Italy in a play-off semi-final in Bergamo on Thursday (19:45 GMT) and should they prevail, they will then move on to play either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a place in this summer’s finals in North America.
Galbraith, who was on the bench in 2021 when Northern Ireland held Italy to a goalless draw at home which sent the Azzurri into an ultimately unsuccessful play-off semi-final, is aware of the task ahead but is delighted to be in this position.
“I’ve thought about it a few times and they are going to be tough games, but to even be a part of those games is huge,” the 24-year-old Swansea City man told BBC Sport NI.
“We can go out there, give it our all and hopefully it will be enough on the night.
“It’s a bit of a pinch me moment. To be involved in this squad is unreal, but to be two games away from a World Cup is crazy.”
While Northern Ireland will be missing some key figures including Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard, Italy also have concerns with midfielder Sandro Tonali missing Newcastle United’s weekend defeat by Sunderland with a groin injury.
However, Galbraith insists Northern Ireland are preparing for the best version of Italy who he acknowledges will be “under a lot of pressure” to reach their first World Cup since 2014.
Although Northern Ireland finished third in their qualifying group, performances in the defeats by Germany brought positives and Galbraith feels they can act as good preparation for their Italian test.
“You have to prepare for their [Italy] best team and we did that with Germany,” he offered.
“Germany are a top side and so is Italy with a number of superstars, so having those games against Germany in the group has put us in good stead for this game.
“If we can go out and give it 100%, we can be a match for anyone.”
Watch Italy v Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off on Thursday, 26 March from 19:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer, BBC One NI and BBC Three; listen on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, and follow live text commentary with in-play clips on BBC Sport app and website.
On Wednesday, 25 March watch a special preview show with Italy and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app and website from 19:00 GMT.